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RVU Utah students playing volleyball outside

Sun Safety Awareness Highlighted by RVUCOM’s Dermatology and Pathology Club

Though classes are starting up again across campuses, summer (and the sun) is still in full swing, and it is important to recognize the danger of sun exposure. Skipping daily SPF application may seem minor, but the long-term effects of sun exposure are significant, even if sunburn is avoided.  
 

The Colorado Dermatology and Pathology Club hosted a skin screening booth during RVUCOM’s orientation week where students, their family members, and RVU employees could participate in a research project and see the effects of the sun on their faces. The team used a smart camera utilizing RBX software to take photos of participants’ faces, revealing details like sun damage and skin spots. The software then generates red/brown filters that make it easier to see areas of hyperpigmentation and vascular spots.   
 

The Dermatology and Pathology Club noted some key takeaways from their study: Our research revealed that many individuals, regardless of age, are inconsistent with sunscreen use. This can lead to premature aging, sunspots, and skin cancer. Even those who indicated they wore sunscreen daily in the pre-participation survey showed some sun damage – everyone has some to varying degrees. The students observed that men often protect their faces by wearing hats but neglect their ears, a common site for skin cancer. More women than men wore sunscreen daily, likely due to targeted marketing and the convenience of wearing makeup with SPF. However, women were more likely to have sun damage across the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and lips. Both men and women with bald spots or receding hairlines were highly susceptible to sun damage, emphasizing the need for hats or extra sunscreen.  
 

The club offered essential sun safety tips:  

  • Apply 30+ SPF sunscreen to the entire face, neck, and ears, paying special attention to the forehead and any sparse areas on the scalp.  
  • SPF above 30 provides only a minimal increase in UV protection, making higher SPF products less cost-effective.  
  • Use SPF lip balm to protect the lips from UV damage.  
  • Schedule regular dermatologist visits for skin exams, as some forms of skin cancer can develop independently of sun exposure.  

Adopting these practices can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer and promote healthier, more youthful skin. It is never too late to start applying sunscreen to the face, no matter how old you are!  
 

Thank you to the Dermatology and Pathology Club for providing this opportunity and reminding us how important sun safety is!