Summers are full of outdoor activities like barbecues, camping trips, outings to the lake and street fairs.

As the memories accumulate, so do the hours in the sun. In the midst of all the fun you might not realize that that your body is waging a war. 

And without your help, it will lose.

Skin is the largest human organ by size. Its exceptional durability mounts a remarkable defense against germs and other harmful substances encountered in the environment.

However, it can only hold out so long against the sun.

Skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes, and warning signs are slow to appear. The first hints of redness may begin to develop after 30 minutes of sun exposure, but the full extent of the injury — and it is, literally, an injury — may not become painfully apparent until 24 to 36 hours later.

Although typical sunburns can fade in three to five days, which is barely a blip on the summer radar, the latent damage caused by the sun’s high-energy UV light lasts much longer and accumulates over time.

UV light, which lies just beyond the purple part of the visible spectrum, can harm many parts of skin cells. Over time, this damage results in accelerated aging of the skin: wrinkles, discoloration, dryness and loss of elasticity. It also reduces the skin’s ability to heal itself and to resist infection.

Most significantly, UV light attacks DNA, the genetic code that directs how cells function. Even though the human body does its best to fix or remove damaged cells, repeated assaults on DNA increase a person’s risk for developing skin cancer.

According to the "Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer," almost 5 million people are treated annually for skin cancer in the United States. As many as 90% of melanomas, the most deadly type of skin cancer, are estimated to be caused by exposure to UV light.

A common myth says that tanning beds are safer than natural sunlight and can help establish a healthy “base tan” that provides protection against UV rays.

However, indoor tanning devices have been on the World Health Organization’s list of Class I human carcinogens — alongside asbestos, cigarettes and plutonium — since 2009.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states: “A tan does not indicate good health. A tan is a response to injury, because skin cells signal that they have been hurt by UV rays by producing more pigment.”

As with so many health issues, even celebrities have jumped in.

Having naturally tan or dark skin does not guarantee protection either.

Actress Gabrielle Union has talked about the mistaken impression that naturally tan or dark skin guarantees protection. In a magazine interview a few years ago, she said: “All minorities think they're immune, but we're absolutely part of the one in five that gets skin cancer! It's a myth and myths need to be debunked! Just because you 'tan well' and don't get all red, doesn't mean you're safe." 

Actor Hugh Jackman has been diagnosed with skin cancer six times and has shared that he did not wear sunscreen as a child growing up in Australia.

During a 2015 interview on "The Late Show with David Letterman," Jackman said: “Please, please wear sunscreen! Get your kids to wear sunscreen. Tell them Wolverine wears sunscreen — whatever works.”

As implied by Jackman, the best offense against the sun’s UV rays is to supply your skin with a stronger defense. Below is a list of recommendations to help keep your skin healthy compiled by the CDC and the Skin Cancer Foundation.

  • Slather on sunscreen. Use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen, which is effective against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply generously 30 minutes before venturing outdoors. Be sure to cover overlooked extremities like ears and feet. Reapply regularly; even waterproof varieties wear off over time.
  • Cover up with clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can help block the sun. Tightly woven fabrics are best. Wide-brimmed hats keep the sun off ears, necks and faces.  
  • Sport the sunglasses. Protecting the eyes from UV rays reduces the risk of cataracts later in life. Wrap-around sunglasses are best because they provide the most complete coverage.
  • Stay in the shade. Avoid the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when it is most intense. An umbrella at the beach or a tree at the park can offer relief from the heat.
  • Bring beverages. Heat and wind pull moisture out of the skin. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

If the sun still wins out, the following recommendations can help to manage minor burns.

  • Stay out of the sun. Minimize exposure until your skin has a chance to heal.
  • Keep cool. Cool baths and compresses can help soothe hot and inflamed skin. Aloe or 1% hydrocortisone cream can ease irritation. Moisturizers like shea butter can relieve dryness.
  • Restore lost liquids. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
  • Pick up some painkillers. Pain, headache and inflammation can be reduced with aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.



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