Additional survey findings include:

• 47% either incorrectly believe or are unsure that having a base tan will prevent sunburns.
• 35% either incorrectly believe or are unsure that as long as you don’t burn, tanning is safe.
• 31% are unaware that tanning causes skin cancer.

“These findings surprised us and demonstrate that misperceptions about skin cancer and sun exposure are still prevalent,” says board-certified dermatologist Kenneth J. Tomecki, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. “As dermatologists who see firsthand the impact that skin cancer, including melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — has on our patients and their families, it’s concerning to see that so many individuals still do not understand how to protect themselves from ultraviolet exposure.”

In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the AAD is encouraging Americans to #PracticeSafeSun to protect themselves and their families from skin cancer.

To help reduce skin cancer risk, the AAD recommends that everyone #PracticeSafeSun by following three simple steps when outdoors:

• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
• Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

“Since unprotected UV exposure is the most significant risk factor for skin cancer, it’s critical to protect yourself from UV light, both from the sun and indoor tanning devices,” says Dr. Tomecki. “Contrary to what many people think, tanning — indoors and out — isn’t safe and can lead to skin cancer, as well as premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots.”

In the survey, Gen Z (those born after 1996) appeared to have the biggest misunderstanding of the dangers of sun exposure and skin cancer, followed closely by Millennials (those born between 1981-1996).

“These are striking results when it comes to younger generations’ knowledge about basic sun exposure,” says Dr. Tomecki. “Gen Z and Millennials have a lifetime of potential damaging sun exposure ahead of them, so now is the time to close the knowledge gap and ensure they are aware of how easy it is to practice sun-safe behavior.”

Gen Z survey findings:

• 42% are unaware that tanning causes skin cancer
• 41% are unaware that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are reflected by snow, water, and sand
• 33% are unaware that they can get sunburned on a cloudy day

Millennial survey findings:

• 42% are unaware that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate clothing
• 37% are unaware that tanning causes skin cancer
• 23% are unaware that sunburn increases the risk of getting skin cancer

To learn more about sun protection and skin cancer prevention and test your skin cancer knowledge via a short quiz, visit PracticeSafeSun.org.

The public can help raise awareness of skin cancer by using the hashtag #PracticeSafeSun when sharing AAD resources and photos of how they use sun protection outdoors. Individuals who have been affected by skin cancer can also share their personal stories on SpotSkinCancer.org to provide support and inspiration for others fighting skin cancer and share the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection.
If you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin or any spots that are changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist. (To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit aad.org/findaderm.)

Sun Protection stories:

The post 3 Safe Sun Practices To Reduce Skin Cancer Risk appeared first on Out There Venture.

Summer’s here! The weather is beautiful and we want to be out in the sun and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Whip up this easy-to-make and effective sunscreen to stay protected.

Natural Sunscreen

• 12 ounces shea butter
• 3 ounces olive or jojoba oil
• 1/3 cup zinc oxide powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each lavender and peppermint essential oils

Melt shea butter, take off heat, and add olive or jojoba oil. Allow to cool for 15 minutes and stir in the zinc oxide and essential oils. The zinc may want to settle to the bottom of the pot. Place the sunscreen in the fridge and stir every 5 minutes until the zinc stays emulsified but the sunscreen is still pourable. Pour into jars and use liberally before, during, and after sun exposure.

Sunburn Relief

If you do stay out in the sun too long, here is a recipe to cool the burn.

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lavender essential oil

Mix oils thoroughly and apply gently to burned area. Use liberally several times a day as needed. Avoid contact with eyes. Lavender essential oil helps to alleviate sunburn and speeds healing. The olive oil is super moisturizing. Together, this amazing combo relieves sunburn and helps to prevent peeling.

Suzanne Tabert is a bio-regional herbalist, wildcrafter, founder and director of herbal education at the Cedar Mountain Herb School, teaching from a lifetime of personal and academic studies of plants and their habitats. She is a member of the American Herbalists Guild, the American Herb Association, and is practicum supervisor and adjunct faculty at Bastyr University.

Find more herbal recipes from Suzanne Tabert in the OTO archives.

[Feature photo: Soothing essential oils.]

The post Make Your Own Natural Sunscreen and Sunburn Relief appeared first on Out There Venture.