Summer Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin All Season Long  

A Message from Dr. Hruby Family Medicine

Summer is one of the best times to enjoy everything South Dakota has to offer, from lake days and camping to backyard barbecues, golf outings, and family vacations. While spending time outdoors is great for your physical and mental health, protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays should be part of your daily routine.

At Dr. Hruby Family Medicine, we encourage everyone to wear sunscreen every day, not just on sunny beach days. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can reach your skin, increasing your risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

🌞 Why Sunscreen Is So Important

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it's also one of the most preventable.

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day can help protect your skin from:

✔ Sunburns
✔ Premature wrinkles and age spots
✔ UV-related skin damage
✔ Skin cancer

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends:

• SPF 30 or higher for everyday use
• SPF 50 or higher for extended outdoor activities
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure
• Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

⭐ Look for the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation

Not all sunscreens are created equal.

When shopping, look for products that have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.

The Seal is recognized around the world as a trusted symbol of safe and effective sun protection. Every product that earns the Seal is reviewed by the Foundation's volunteer Photobiology Committee and must meet strict scientific standards for UV protection.

🧴 10 Sunscreens Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation

Whether you have sensitive skin, spend long hours outdoors, or simply want an everyday facial sunscreen, these products have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.

Learn More About Each Product

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – https://eltamd.com/products/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 – https://www.laroche-posay.us
• Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50+ – https://bluelizardsunscreen.com
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 70 – https://www.neutrogena.com
• CeraVe Hydrating Mineral SPF 50 – https://www.cerave.com
• Coppertone Sport SPF 50 – https://www.coppertone.com
• Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50+ – https://www.bananaboat.com
• Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 60 – https://www.aveeno.com
• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 – https://supergoop.com
• ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+ – https://www.isdin.com

👉 Browse hundreds of additional Skin Cancer Foundation recommended products:
https://www.skincancer.org/recommended-products/

🕶️ More Ways to Protect Your Skin

Sunscreen is your first line of defense, but it works even better when combined with other healthy habits.

Remember to:

Wear a wide-brimmed hat

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses

Cover exposed skin with lightweight clothing

Seek shade whenever possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours

Check your skin monthly for new or changing moles or spots

❤️ A Healthy Habit That Lasts a Lifetime

Making sunscreen part of your daily routine is one of the easiest ways to protect your health.

Just a few minutes each morning can help reduce your risk of skin cancer while keeping your skin looking healthier for years to come.

If you notice a changing mole, a new spot, or have questions about your skin or overall health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hruby Family Medicine. We're here to help you and your family stay healthy all year long.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and sun-filled summer!

Dr. Hruby Family Medicine