August Shines a Light on Sun Safety in the Summer
By Cameo Cedarleaf
cedarleafc@findlay.edu
There’s a new movement on social media by some influencers pushing false claims about sunscreen, according to news outlets such as the Washington Post and CNN. Just in time for August, Summer Sun Safety Month. This is a national observance aimed to remind Americans to take precautions against the sun’s harmful rays. According the American Academy of Dermatology Association, “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.” It is estimated that one in five people will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives, according to Healthline. Making sure to follow the precautions against harmful sun exposure is critical to fight against skin cancer and other illnesses.
“Hearing about these statistics will make me more diligent about my sunscreen usage,” said Tessa Fine, a junior majoring in exercise science at the University of Findlay. “I normally put on sunscreen once a day and then forget to reapply it. Now, I will make sure to put it on every two hours, or when I can feel my skin burning.”
In my classes, we will sometimes talk about how harmful the sun is for your skin if you do not take the proper precautions” said senior Alex Albers, majoring in Adolescent/Young Adult science education at UF. “Now, I try to put on my sunscreen every two hours to protect my skin against the harmful UV rays.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognizes Summer Sun Safety Month as a chance to educate the public on the importance of wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and covering up during peak UV hours, which are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
A motivator to apply sunscreen is the anti-aging benefits. According to the article, “Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine,” when sunscreen is applied regularly, it can help prevent harm to your skin, such as sunburn, skin cancer, and aging prematurely. Even makeup with sun protection factors, or SPF, is not going to protect your skin enough.
“I never really thought about the benefits of anti-aging with skin care until I saw a TikTok about it,” said Fine. “I always just thought of sunscreen as something I should use in the summer, not with every day beauty products.”
According to “What you should know about sunscreen, SPF, and protecting your family,” Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. It should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least every two hours. If you’re swimming or sweating, reapplication should be more frequent, even if the sunscreen is water-resistant. Make sure to apply sunscreen to areas that are often forgotten, such as the ears, feet, ankles, and neck, according to the article above. Beyond sunscreen, wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing can provide additional protection. Staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade also contribute to overall sun safety.
Sun safety is more than just a seasonal concern; it’s a lifelong habit. As we soak up the final rays of summer, August serves as a powerful reminder to respect the sun and protect our skin.
*In this week’s Thoughts with Profs, Pulse Adviser, Prof. Amy Rogan talks about her journey with skin cancer.
Latest Pulse Media
- What’s in a name? The Office of Equity and Title IX has a new titleNo changes are expected for role of office on campus By Victoria Hansen hansenv@findlay.edu On July 8, Associate Vice President for Safety & Wellness Skylar Tiell announced that the University of Findlay’s Office of Title IX and Equity would be renamed to the Office of Civil Rights. “Over the summer, we made the transition from [...]
- Is Slingshot on target?New textbook provider Slingshot getting mixed reviews from students By Seth Dahlhausen and Pulse Staff dahlhausens@findlay.edu Students returning to the University of Findlay this semester were greeted by a new textbook provider. But opinions on the new process have varied in its first week. Wes Kruger, UF Ruscilli Bookstore manager, is well aware of the [...]
- 2025 College of Pharmacy White Coat CeremonyAugust 15, 2025 at 6pm Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
- Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership moves from plan to practiceBy Pulse Staff The University of Findlay Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership has become a reality. After two and half years of behind the scenes work, Dr. Sarah Fedirka, associate professor and chair of the English, Religious Studies, and Philosophy department, moves the project from planning to practice with its first venture, the Watterson Scholars [...]
- Thoughts with Profs: Protect the Golden YearsSun Safety is serious business! Column by Amy Rogan, Pulse Adviser, and Assistant Professor of Teaching in Media and Communication My kids are grown and I am now officially a grandma…of three! But way back when my kids were little, I noticed a scab on the top of my right ear and it would not [...]
- 2024-2025 Seniors Share Their Wisdom for Undergraduates Heading into the New School YearBy Libby Sapp As the University of Findlay prepares to welcome students back to campus this August, many are starting their final year of college—just as seniors in the class of 2025 are preparing for their next steps. These graduates have gained valuable insight through their college experiences, and now, they’re passing on some advice [...]