Vacations and Skin Cancer

Everyone loves a vacation, right? But whether you're sailing to a country in the Caribbean, skiing the slopes at Vail, or simply hitting the lake in your own hometown - skin cancer is still a worry. Want to learn more about vacations and skin cancer? Here are a few tips on making your vacation the best it can be, without worrying over your skin exposure.

Get your gear

One of the things you need is proper skin protection. If your skin is being exposed, bring a high SPF lotion. This applies to both winter trips and summer trips. And don't think because it's cloudy that you can't be exposed to harmful UV rays. This is simply not true.

Clouds won't protect you

Even though the sun is hidden by clouds, the damage it can cause is still there. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) American Academy of Dermatology Association American Academy of Dermatology Association indicates that up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds.¹ This means that it is important to take care of your skin no matter what the sky looks like, and use sunscreen when you are outside.

Cold weather won't protect you either

If you're headed to the beach, hiking, or other things done in the sun, bring a hat. This not only helps protect your face but protects your head, ears, and more. If you're taking part in colder activities, wearing the proper gear is also important. Skiing the slopes? There are eye and face protection to choose that help keep you safer from UV rays, especially those that reflect off of the snow.

You will sunburn much easier on a ski trip than on a beach vacation. Being on top of a mountain means that you are closer to the sun, which also means you're closer to ultraviolet rays. You always need to put on sunscreen when you're skiing on a mountain. It's even more dangerous because sunlight is reflected off of the snow.

Cover up

Now, this doesn't mean you cannot expose your skin at all but instead, there are things you can do to limit exposure. For instance, rash guards are perfect for being in the water as well as the sun. They protect the skin but allow you the freedom to move freely, look fashionable, and you don't have to apply sunscreen to those areas.

Be aware

One of the most important things to do is to simply be aware of the conditions. You can still enjoy your vacation no matter where you go, just be aware of UV rays and what you can do to prevent exposure. Sometimes people go on vacation and since it is a special time they may forget to care for themselves as easily as they would at home. I cannot stress enough that there's no reason why you can't have fun and still play it safe when it comes to your skin. You don't have to be a hermit but can enjoy the trip you've looked forward to all year.