Beach Trading Blog

According to a recent story in the Long Breach Press Telegram, dermatologists are changing their tune, (just a little), about sun exposure.

Apparently recent research has shown that vitamin D may be a greater factor in preventing cancer and in building strong bones than previously thought. And the best way to naturally get vitamin D is through exposure to the sun.

Of course too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and that why we recommend using rash guard swim shirts and other UV protective clothing such as our StayDry/KoreDry shirts while you’re in or around water at the beach, lake or pool.

1. Good Sun – Vitamin D has been found to prevent some internal cancers and promoting strong bones. For a Caucasian this means about 10 minutes a day of casual sun exposure in normal clothing.
2. Bad Sun – Prolonged exposure as well as sunburns increase your chances for developing skin cancer.
3. Race – People who are light or fair skinned have a higher risk of sun caused skin cancer than those with darker skin types.
4. Tanning – Two-sided coin here: those who have a tan are less likely to get burned, but in getting their tan have already damaged their skin.
5. Melanoma – This is the mostly deadly, dangerous type of skin cancer and usually does NOT occur on the face. So protect your entire body!
6. Sunscreen – Be sure you use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of at least 30. We here at Beach Trading prefer mineral sunblocks as they use the natural protection of minerals and not chemicals like sunscreens do.
7. Apply Liberally – You can’t just put your sunscreen or sunblock on and forget about it for hours and hours, especially if you’re in the water! Another great reason to use our rashguard swim and surf shirts is that the UV protection they supply does not wash off.
8. Hats – Choose wide-brimmed over a baseball cap. Ever burn the tops of your ears or the back of your neck??? Oh, is it painful!!
9. Acne – If you use creams with Retin-A you are much more susceptible to getting sunburn because it gets rid of dead skin cells you can’t see that help block the sun.
10. Dermatologists – You should make visiting a dermatologist a part of your yearly health care especially if you have any moles or growths, have had any type of skin cancer or have an immediate relative who has had skin cancer.

The sun provides both benefits as well as hazards to our bodies and especially our skin. Be sun safe and sun smart when you’re out there enjoying it!