Be Sun Smart™

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma.[1],[2] You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here’s how to Be Sun SmartSM:

  • Generously apply a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION® on products that meet these criteria. A much higher SPF of 30+ is highly recommended for prolonged outdoor activities.
  • Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
  • Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
  • Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing and applying sunscreen.
  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
  • Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.[3]
  • Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
  • Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

[1] American Cancer Society. 2008 Cancer Facts and Figures. http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/2008CAFFfinalsecured.pdf
[2} Robinson, JK. Sun Exposure, Sun Protection and Vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294: 1541-43.
[3] Hemminki K, Dong C. Subsequent cancers after in situ and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Arch Dermatol 2000;136:647-51.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology www.playsunsmart.org

Providing Dermatology in Montgomery County, Maryland

  • Bethesda, Md
  • Chevy Chase, Md
  • Damascus, Md
  • Gaithersburg, Md
  • Germantown, Md
  • Kensington, Md
  • Potomac, Md
  • N. Bethesda, Md
  • N. Potomac, Md
  • Rockville, Md

Providing Dermatology to Patients from Washington, DC

Providing Dermatology to Patients from Northern Virginia - Fairfax County and Arlington County

  • Alexandria, Va
  • Annandale, Va
  • Arlington, Va
  • Falls Church, Va
  • Great Falls, Va
  • McLean, Va
  • Merrifield, Va
  • Mount Vernon, Va
  • Tysons Corner, Va
  • Vienna, Va
Dermatology

Dermatology and Clinical Skin Care Center in Bethesda, MD and Germantown, MD

Bethesda Maryland Office:

6410 Rockledge Drive
Suite 201
Bethesda, MD 20817

Phone: (301) 530-8300
Fax: (301) 530-4638

39.023418-77.132542

Rockledge Med Spa:

6410 Rockledge Drive
Suite 205
Bethesda, MD 20817

Phone: (301) 968-1200

39.023418-77.132542

Germantown Maryland Office:

19735 Germantown Road
Suite 210
Germantown, MD 20874

Phone: (301) 444-0153
Fax: (301) 444-0158

39.180926-77.263713

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