West Texas Sun Protection

The sunlight that reaches the earth has ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays. These ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main causes of damage to the skin from the sun. Some people are more susceptible than others to skin damage. Certain factors may mean that you have an increased risk of developing skin cancer, such as: a family member with skin cancer, severe sunburns as an adult, living in a high-altitude climate, or fair skin that burns or freckles easily and does not tan.

Avoiding skin cancer can be as simple as protecting your skin and taking a good look at it regularly. While sunscreen plays a vital role in protecting your skin from UV radiation, it cannot prevent skin damage if you are exposed to the sun's rays for long periods of time. Experts recommend that you use multiple methods to fully protect your skin:

• Wear protective clothing:

  • Wide-brimmed hats that protect the face and neck

  • Clothing made of unbleached cotton or silk

  • Clothing that has sun protection factor (SPF) in the fabric that does not wash out

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 in West Texas:

  • SPF of 11 offers minimal protection.

  • SPF of 12 to 29 offers moderate protection.

  • SPF of 30 and above offers high protection.

• Apply sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation to all exposed skin, including lips, ears, back of the hands, and neck. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going in the sun, and reapply it every 2 hours and after swimming, exercising, or sweating.

• Wear wraparound sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation.

• Be careful when you are on sand, snow, or water, because these surfaces can reflect 85% of the sun's rays.

• Avoid artificial sources of UVA radiation, including sunlamps and tanning booths. Like the sun, they can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.