Sand, sea and sunshine. These go hand-in-hand with a South African summer, so it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your skin.

Did you know you can get sunburnt even on cloudy days? And that skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in South Africa?

In observance of CANSA’s SunSmart Campaign, here’s some of the information you’ll need to make the most of your summer, while protecting your skin against solar radiation.

What are we dealing with?

While the sun isn’t the only element that can lead to skin cancer, prolonged exposure to ultravio- let (UV) radiation is a significant risk factor for skin cancer. In South Africa, we have some of the highest monitored UV levels in the world, and our skin cancer rates are some of the highest globally.

There are two types of UV radiation:

  1. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays (a longer wavelength that contributes to skin aging)
  2. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays (a shorter wavelength that causes skin burning)

UV radiation can cause significant damage to skin cells and the eyes, where cataracts or eyelid cancers can develop.

You can be exposed to UV radiation through tanning beds or lamps too.

Types of skin cancer

There are three primary types of skin cancer:

  1. Basal cell carcinoma: the most common kind. Appearing as a transparent bump on the skin, it grows on areas such as the head and neck, which get the most sun exposure.
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma: the second most common kind. It appears as a firm, red bump, a scaly patch or a sore that won’t heal.
  3. Melanoma: the deadliest kind, due to its tendency to spread. It grows in the skin cells responsible for giving the skin its colour, and it usually occurs on the face, arms, legs and back.

Who’s most at risk?

While individuals with all skin types can and do develop skin cancer, those with very pale skin tones, those with albinism and those who have a family history of skin cancer are at highest risk.

Do you know how SPF works?

On your sunscreen, the number after SPF (sun protection factor) is an indicator of the strength of protection you can expect against UV rays. If you’re using SPF30 sunscreen, it means about 3% of the radiation is reaching your skin. If it’s SPF50, it’s only 2%.

How can you be SunSmart?

  1. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours at least, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
  2. Use about a shot glass of sunscreen for each application, and don’t forget your ears, neck and hands.
  3. Wear good-quality sunglasses.
  4. Stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day: between 10:00 and 14:00.
  5. Cover up with a hat and sleeves if you’re going to be in the sun for a while.
  6. Stay hydrated.
  7. Schedule regular appointments with your dermatologist to check for any skin abnormalities, especially as you get older, because early intervention saves lives.