In 2018, prior to COVID-19, more than 7.3 million tourists visited Charleston and the 187-mile ocean shoreline that makes this area so attractive. When they left, many visitors carried away not only memorable souvenirs but also painful sunburns.
Because South Carolina averages 300 sunny days annually, the state is a virtual year-round outdoor playground, resulting in greater sun exposure from invisible ultraviolet rays compared to what our northern neighbors experience at home. Summer is a high-risk time here because of the amount of daily sunlight, more time spent doing outdoor activities and the direct nature of the sunlight.
To remind residents and visitors alike of the dangers of excess sun exposure without taking the fun out of enjoying South Carolina’s great outdoors, here are some tips. Please note that this is general information only, and any skin concerns should be discussed with a medical professional.
- Use a quality sunscreen that you first apply generously — think a shot glass to cover your entire body —15 minutes before going outside, and then reapply every 90 minutes during the day or more often if you are in and out of the water or sweating. As a general rule, SPF 50+ products are recommended for dedicated sun time. Don’t forget SPF lip balm, and pay attention to areas such as the back of the neck, the eyelids and the scalp line. And don’t skip on cloudy or overcast days.
- Consider wearing UPF-tested long-sleeve clothing, including swimsuits and hats with wide brims. These work great for keeping children protected, which is important, since most sun damage occurs by age 30. Long-flowing clothing of breathable cottons can also be cool and offer some protection. Grab your sunglasses too.
- Because water reflects the sun’s rays and increases your exposure, be extra vigilant with sunscreen and shade around swimming pools, lakes and the ocean.
- Choose shade activities for the most severe times of the day: from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Large umbrellas can offer welcome protection from the sun’s powerful rays.
- Stay out of tanning beds to “get some color before you hit the beach.” A single session can cause skin damage and raise your risk of skin cancer.
- Hydrate. Try for eight or more glasses of water daily, and take a water or toner spritzer outside to use as a facial spray throughout the day.
- Lighten up your makeup for the humid summer months. Look for oil-free, tinted moisturizers and BB creams with SPF. Applying a primer between your moisturizer and makeup will keep the latter from melting away in the sun.
- Instead of insisting on a sunbaked beach tan, opt for a sunless spray or cream version. Today’s products have improved over the years, and not all will turn orange as they once did.
- Don’t hide inside. We all need some daily sunshine for maximum vitamin D absorption to support healthy colons, brains, hearts and bones. (We also need to eat healthy and to exercise, but that’s for another day and another article.)
In addition to the above-recommended tips, Dr. Thomas Scharnitz, a local board-certified dermatologist with The Dermatology and Laser Center of Charleston, also warned, “Although too much sun time can cause formation of rashes and moles, skin cancers remain the most serious risk associated with chronic sun exposure. Some high-risk skin lesions to look out for are growing, painful, itchy, bleeding or ulcerated spots. No skin concern is too minor. I would always rather have my patients come in for evaluation to be safe than to potentially leave a dangerous spot on their skin.”
