It’s summer and you are out there with your shades ready to swim with your chomas. You may have heard that people with darker skin are less likely to get sunburn or skin cancer because darker skin has some protection against the sun’s rays. Yes, having darker skin does mean that your skin has more protection from the sun that people with lighter skin, but this doesn’t mean that your skin can’t be damaged by the sun at all. No matter what the colour of your skin, you still need to protect it.

Here is how you can avoid the harmful effects of the sun.

Wear sunscreen

Apply sunscreen on your skin as often as possible – every day if possible. Make it a habit, like taking a bath or brushing your teeth. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (but if you’re going to be outdoors for a long time, use a water-resistant one that’s 30 or higher). SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor” and refers to the ability of a sunscreen to block ultraviolet rays which cause skin damage, like sunburn. The amount of SPF sunscreen has is usually written on the outside of the bottle.  Sunscreen helps protect the ultraviolet rays from going deep into your skin when you are in the sun. Re-apply your sunscreen every couple of hours. Rubbing or sweating can cause the sunscreen to rub off.

Moisturize your lips

Make sure you don’t neglect your lips when it comes to the sun. Your lips can get sunburnt too if they are not protected. So, always keep your lips moisturized by applying a lip balm protection every hour.

Avoid the sun from 10 am to 3pm

Try and stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm, if you can. This is when the ultraviolet rays (which causes sunburn) are strongest.

Cover up

I know it’s hard to do this when it’s so hot outside, but when you do go outdoors, wear protective clothing – especially if you are going to be outside between 10am and 3pm. Hats or caps, long sleeved tops and khakis or denim jeans will help protect your body against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Also remember to always wear sunglasses because your eyes can be damaged by the sun too.

Self-examination

You can do a ‘skin check’ once a month. Check for any changes to your skin – such as burnt skin – or for moles. Get a choma to look at your back and other hard-to-see areas.

Enjoy the summer but just remember that it is important that you protect your skin against the sun to avoid getting sunburn or even skin cancer. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right chomas?