What’s in Your Beach Bag?

Sunny days and warm weather will be here before you know it. For those trips to the lake or beach, there are a few things you can always keep handy to help prevent skin cancer. Let’s take a look at what’s in our bags, and what should be in our bags.

It’s not only summer days that matter

I am focusing on summer days at the beach in this article because we tend to spend more intentional time in the sun during this season, but remember that the sun's rays can be dangerous any time of year. Harmful UVA and UVB rays are present even in cloudy weather.

Packing your beach bag

But let's get back to the beach. How much do you think about what you bring with you? You might already pack things like sunscreen, but there are a few other important items to include on your list that can help protect you from skin cancer.

A coverup

A lightweight shirt or rash guard can help protect exposed upper body skin from cancer-causing rays. They also come in handy when it gets a little cooler later in the day.

Lip balm with sunscreen

There are plenty of lip balms that have sunscreen, so choose one of those to help protect your lips. People forget about their lips, but this is an area of the skin that is highly sensitive. You can moisturize your lips and, at the same time, protect them.

A hat

We’ve all seen people wearing large hats in the sun. It’s not just a fashion statement. A large-brimmed hat helps shade your face and protects your scalp and upper ears from damaging rays. It also helps protect your neck, an area that is prone to sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer.

Sunglasses

Choose sunglasses that not only help shade your eyes, but also block UVA and UVB rays. The skin is not the only body part in danger from the sun. The eyes can develop a kind of cancer called ocular melanoma.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen

Last, but certainly not least, choose a high SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen. The higher the number, the more protection you get. If you want a more natural product, choose a mineral sunscreen that is FDA approved.

More tips for skin cancer protection

There are a few other things to be aware of when spending time in the sun. If you can, find a shady spot, especially when the sun is at its strongest, which is between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Reapply your sunscreen often. If you can find one that is waterproof, that's even better. But even with waterproof brands, reapplying it after swimming won’t hurt you. It might help. Also apply your sunscreen again if you are sweating or have used a towel.

If you can, keep a spare bag on hand for when you have an impromptu visit where there’s sunny weather. If you have your spare bag ready at all times, you won’t have to go shopping. Or worse, have to spend the day in the sun with no skin cancer protection at all.