Filed under Denver Living on December 3rd, 2008:
Yes, You Do Need Sunblock in The Mile High City
The Denver altitude is what makes it so special, and also what makes sun safety a big issue in the mile high city. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, the amount of UV ray exposure can be up to 25% higher than at sea level. Luckily, sun safety is easy as long as you remember to do it. It just takes a little positive habit formation to protect you and your family after you leave the cool comfort of your Denver apartments interior.
Incidences of skin cancer have been on the rise in the past few years despite the best effort of doctors and experts to warn about the dangers of the sun. With many people deliberately exposing themselves to UV rays in tanning beds, vanity has too often been giving way to sun safety.
Reduce the Risk, Protect Your Skin
Being at a high altitude means an increased risk of UV exposure, don’t become another skin cancer statistic. Ways to reduce sun exposure and practice sun safety:
- Limit your outdoor activities between the hours of 10am and 4pm when the sun is the strongest. If you are outside, try to avoid prolonged direct exposure.
- Wear long sleeved and covering clothing in the sun whenever possible. Tightly woven, lightweight fabrics are recommended to prevent UV rays from penetrating.
- Wear sunscreen products. Doctors recommend always wearing at least SPF 15 sunscreen at all times. A higher SPF of 30 and also frequently recommended for increased protection. Sun protection only lasts for a couple hours and needs to be reapplied, especially when you have been swimming or sweating.
Sun exposure and skin damage can happen when you least expect it, even in the mostly moderate Denver weather. Consider these regular activities that can lead to unexpected exposure.
- Out and about on a cloudy day. UV rays can penetrate cloud cover and you can still suffer sunburns on days.
- Sitting in your car in traffic under the bright sun.
- Shopping at an outdoor mall or out on walking errands outdoors.
- Skiing or snowboarding without sunscreen. UV rays reflect off snow and water thereby increasing your exposure.
- Other outdoor activities such as running, cycling, hiking without sun protection.
The key to sun safety is remembering to be safe in the first place. Keep a bottle of sunscreen handy in your car and in your apartment and apply whenever you go out.