Rebecca Pomerantz

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can be dangerous and sneaky.

Sometimes it’s inescapable, but too much exposure can lead to premature aging and also skin cancer, experts say.

Seeing a dermatologist once a year for a professional skin exam is highly recommended by experts, especially when skin cancer tends to accumulate over years of prolonged exposure.

“Often when skin cancer develops there are exposing factors,” said Dr. Rebecca Pomerantz of Butler Health System Dermatology Associates. “Tanning bed use jumps out, skin type and a history of extensive sun exposure contribute as well.”

UV radiation has the ability to bounce off sand, snow and water, so even if you are not in direct sunlight, UV radiation can still find you.

“There are some fabrics that have been better studied for prevention of UV exposure,” Pomerantz said. “But most fabrics tend to do a pretty good job as long as you have long sleeves and perhaps a hat with an extra long brim.”

When hiding all day in the basement isn’t an option, clothing with a high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is what’s needed to help maximize skin protection.

UPF indicates what fraction of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the fabric. For example, a shirt labeled 50 UPF, means the shirt will allow 1/50th of the UV radiation to reach your skin.

Using the correct clothing is a good first step, but any clothing still leaves some skin exposed. Thus, sunscreen is also highly recommended.

“I tend to prefer physical sunscreens that have zinc and titanium as the active ingredients,” Pomerantz said. “They provide a good and broad spectrum of protection against UV and also have fewer safety concerns.”

According to skincancer.org, there are around 420,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year that can be linked to indoor tanning.

“I would discourage all recreational tanning bed use,” Pomerantz said. “There are some medical indications in dermatology where UV light can be helpful for certain conditions, but in terms of recreational tanning beds I don’t thing there is any good from that.”

Skin cancer cases linked to indoor tanning beds have now surpassed the amount lung cancer cases linked to smoking worldwide, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Knowing and understanding your family’s medical history is also worth looking into.

“Genetics do tend to be a big role for some patients,” Pomerantz said. “Especially those prone to melanoma. Often some types of skin cancers can run in families too, although sometimes it seems to be a function of fair skin type and excessive sun exposure.”

An early diagnosis is best for all types of cancer, especially skin cancers so it never has a chance to spread to another part of the body.

“It really can depend on what type of skin cancer it is,” Pomerantz said. “Fortunately, many skin cancers are very treatable with surgery and simply cut it out. Some can also require additional treatment and it’s very important for us to identify that as early as possible.”