Friday, May 22, is “Don’t Fry Day!”
The Friday before Memorial Day is “Don’t Fry Day,” an annual reminder from the dermatology community to protect your skin as you head outdoors to celebrate the start of sunshine season.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and 90% of skin cancers are preventable. Below are the core pillars of a sun-safe lifestyle.
1. Protect Your Skin: Slip on a shirt, apply and re-apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use UV-protective sunglasses.
2. Seek Shade: Stay out of the sun, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when UV rays are most intense.
3. Check the UV Index: Many weather apps now include a UV index. If it’s 3 or higher, extra protection is needed.
4. Wear UPF Clothing: Many modern outdoor garments are rated with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) to block more rays than standard cotton.
These are easy, empowering ways to protect your skin and reduce your risk. Following just one of these practices is helpful, doing more will maximize your efforts to prevent skin cancer!