28-05-2025
Using sunscreen a focal point as summer months approach
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer and from now until fall, beaches across North Carolina will be crowded.
May 27th is National Sunscreen Day, highlighting the importance of regular sunscreen use. As many people prepare to be outdoors more often, it is important to remember to use some sunscreen to protect yourself from UV Rays.
'Radiation with time can transform skin cells and grow abnormal things like skin cancer,' Erik Lickteig with Central Coast Dermatology affiliated with Onslow Memorial Hospital said. 'So, the products we have out there are meant to help protect or mitigate that from happening and sunblock products are the best products. But, I do tell my patients any sunscreen or sun protective product or clothing item is helpful and in some fashion.'
Lickteig said no matter your skin tone or complexion, using sunscreen is important as anyone can be impacted by skin cancer or skin damage from the sun.
'Any skin tone is prone to give you UV radiation, skin cancer growth. I do tell patients, yes, if you're fair skinned, the blond hair, blue eyes or red head, it's just easier for you to get burned, to get damage with or without sunscreen,' he said. 'Darker complexion, complected folks do have more natural protection, but they still are prone to getting skin cancer and bad things grow on their skin and it's just super important to apply the product.'
Although it's important to use sunblock or sunscreen in the hot summer months when it's hot out, UV Rays can harm skin in other conditions as well.
'Sun is sun. UV radiation is UV radiation. I think there's a misunderstanding out there, especially the younger people, or if it's not hot or warm enough, I'm okay,' he said. 'It's not going to hurt me or injure my skin. That's not true. It's painless. It's colorless, it's odorless. It's still there. We need to protect ourselves from it, especially during those peak UV radiation times of the day. It is always a good choice to protect yourself.'
Along with sunscreen, people can also wear wide-brimmed hats and clothing infused with UV protective materials to avoid sunburns which could one day lead to various types of skin cancer.
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