Ahead of the 4th of July holiday, dermatologists urge the public to #PracticeSafeSun as they head outdoors
ROSEMONT, Ill. (June 30, 2020) — Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every day. As more Americans prepare to head outdoors for the 4th of July holiday, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology have an important reminder: dress to protect yourself from the sun. In addition to seeking shade and applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing goes a long way in protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can increase your risk of skin cancer. However, not all clothing is created equal when it comes to sun protection, say dermatologists. Some garments provide better UV protection than others.
“The right sun-protective outfit provides long-lasting protection and works great for all skin types and colors,” says board-certified dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, MD, FAAD. “The key is to look for dense fabrics and dark or bright colors and pair those with the appropriate accessories.”
To help protect your skin from the sun, Dr. Ibrahim recommends wearing the following items:
Lightweight and long-sleeved shirts and pants: It’s important to cover up as much of your skin as possible when spending time outdoors. When selecting clothing, avoid fabrics with a loose or open weave, such as lace. In addition, dark colors offer more protection than light colors. For example, a long-sleeved denim shirt provides an SPF of about 1,700, while a white t-shirt provides an SPF of about 7. In addition, if you’re at the beach or pool, keep in mind that dry clothing offers more sun protection than wet clothing.
Sunglasses with UV protection: Sunglasses are an important part of your sun-protective wardrobe. When purchasing sunglasses, always look for lenses that offer UV protection. Lenses that appear dark do not necessarily offer UV protection, so make sure to read the label before purchasing. In addition, large-framed or wraparound sunglasses offer more sun protection than aviators, for example, so be sure to consider that when selecting your sunglasses.
A wide-brimmed hat: A hat is a simple and effective way to cover up your face and neck. When selecting a hat, choose one that has a wide brim, which will protect your ears, as well as your head and neck. Avoid baseball hats or straw hats with holes, as these are not as effective in protecting you outdoors.
Shoes that cover your feet: However, if you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops or going barefoot, be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin.
“In addition to wearing sun-protective clothing, it’s important to seek shade and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing,” says Dr. Ibrahim. “If you have questions about how to protect your skin from the sun and prevent skin cancer, contact a board-certified dermatologist.”
These tips are demonstrated in “What to Wear to Protect Your Skin from the Sun,” a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s “Video of the Month” series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails.
Earlier this year, the AAD launched a national public awareness campaign encouraging Americans to #PracticeSafeSun to protect themselves and their families from skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. The public can help raise awareness of skin cancer by using this hashtag on social media when sharing AAD resources and photos of how they use sun protection outdoors.
Individuals who have been affected by skin cancer can also share their personal stories on SpotSkinCancer.org to provide support and inspiration for others fighting skin cancer and communicate the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection.
To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit aad.org/findaderm.
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Contact
Nicole Dobkin, (847) 240-1746, ndobkin@aad.org
More Information
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Fact Sheet
Melanoma FAQs
SpotSkinCancer.org
Sunscreen Resource Center
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 20,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), Instagram (@AADskin1), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).
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