VIRGINIA BEACH — Tomorrow is going to be a day filled with sunshine and it’s very likely that area residents will swarm to the beach to enjoy the great weather.
Sunday’s looking pretty promising, too, as far as the weather is concerned.
But did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage unprotected skin in just 15 minutes?
So be sure to get out the sunscreen and apply it to both yourself and your children.
The National Weather Service office in Wakefield is forecasting a high of 88 degrees with mostly sunny skies for Saturday.
The high Sunday is forecast at 81 degrees, mostly sunny but with a slight (20 percent) chance of thunderstorms.
Each year in the United States some 5-million people are treated for skin cancer. Each year around 76,000 new cases are diagnosed and 9,000 deaths are attributed to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute the rate of new melanoma cases among adults in the U.S. has tripled since the 1970s.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays — whether from the sun or from an artificial source such as a tanning bed — is the leading cause of skin cancer.
Whether the sun is shining bright or hidden periodically behind a cloud, sunscreen is necessary.
“Many people think they don’t have to wear sunscreen if this sun isn’t out, but that isn’t the case,” says Dr. Abby Van Voorhees, professor and chairwoman of Eastern Virginia Medical School Dermatology. “If you’re going to be outside, it’s best to be cautious and apply sunscreen to any exposed areas of skin.”
Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. SPF 15 is estimated to block 93 percent of the sun’s UV rays, while one with a SPF rating of 30 can block 97 percent. However, since most sunscreens are rated by how well they block UVB rays, how well they block UVA rays is unclear.
Van Voorhees said some people avoid using sunscreen because of their concern that it could be more dangerous than the sun.
“Research shows this opinion isn’t correct,” she said. “Sunscreen doesn’t accumulate on the body and it’s a much bigger danger to put yourself at risk for skin cancer by avoiding it.”
Consumer Reports last year compiled a complete listing of the most effective sunscreen brands.
Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours, or more often if in the water or if perspiring a lot.
Children who suffer sunburns young are at greater risk for skin cancer when they’re adults, says the CDC. Sunscreen should be applied generously and often.
Broad rimmed hats can also be worn to protect the face and sunglasses that offer UV protection can help protect against eye damage.
