For sports fans in the Greater Toronto Area, this summer is one for the record books. Thousands are getting their kicks with World Cup soccer, golf fans are cheering on the world’s best, and the Indy cars’ roar will shake Markham streets come August. Then there are our Blue Jays, swinging for the fences under an open dome.
With up to 90% of skin cancers linked to UV exposure, the stakes in the stands are higher than the score. While the sun makes moments more vivid, it also makes sun protection more important than ever – even as you track the action on the field.
Dr. Cheryl Rosen, Head, Division of Dermatology, UHN, has seen firsthand what years of unprotected sun exposure can do. Her advice to fans this summer is simple: prepare before the opening whistle.
Here’s how to build your game plan.
Your first line of defense
Every team needs a strong defensive line – and for your skin, sunscreen is part of the defense. It not only protects against sunburns but can also help prevent photoaging (when the sun prematurely ages the skin) and skin cancer.
“When selecting a sunscreen, look for SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher, labelled broad spectrum to protect against both UVB and UVA radiation,” says Dr. Rosen. “It’s also helpful to look for the Canadian Dermatology Association logo on the bottle.”
And remember – sunscreen isn’t a “set it and forget it” play. Health Canada advises reapplying every two hours, and more frequently after swimming, sweating or towelling off. A full afternoon in the stands can mean three or four hours of direct exposure – most fans apply once and forget it. That’s when the damage adds up.
Suit up before you step out
No championship team relies on a single player. Sunscreen is your starting line-up, but you need the full roster. Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and opt for wide-brimmed hats – covering the head, face, ears and back of the neck – and 100 per cent UV protection sunglasses. Tightly woven fabrics offer strong UV protection, and clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating takes it a step further.
Understand your playing conditions
Every athlete knows their strengths and vulnerabilities – and the same goes for your skin. People with fair skin, red hair, freckles, moles, or a family history of skin cancer are naturally more susceptible to sun damage and should take extra precautions. Certain medications and creams can also increase sun sensitivity, so it’s worth checking with your doctor or pharmacist before a long day outdoors.
People with darker skin need to stay in the game too. While higher melanin levels offer more natural UV protection, visible daylight can still increase skin pigmentation – particularly for those with existing pigmentation conditions.
“Look for sunscreens containing iron oxide, which offers protection against visible light,” advises Dr. Rosen. “It’s listed as an inactive ingredient in Canada, but its protective effect is very much active.”
Time your game
Even the toughest athletes know when to get off the field. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – prime time for damage. A soccer match, full day of racing, or a baseball afternoon game drops you right in that window. Try to schedule outdoor activities for early morning or later in the afternoon, and if you’re out during those peak hours, layer up, seek shade, wear sunglasses and a hat, and apply sunscreen. You can check the daily UV Index before heading out.
Every great play needs a strategy
The best offense is a good defense – and shade is a more powerful tool than most fans realize. At an open-air stadium or street circuit, shade is scarce and reflected UV off pavement adds to your total exposure. Sometimes you don’t even feel it.
“Look for natural cover under trees, or choose to sit under an umbrella on a patio” says Dr. Rosen. Just know that UV rays can still reach you by reflecting off nearby surfaces, so keep your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen in play even when you’re out of direct sun.
Did you know?
- Skin cancer is Canada’s most common cancer – and among the most preventable. Up to 90% of cases are linked to UV exposure, meaning the right habits can make a real difference.
- Sunscreen goes to work the moment it’s on your skin – no waiting required. That said, applying it 20 minutes before heading outside gives it the best chance to bond properly.
- There’s no such thing as a safe tan. Tanning is not safe behaviour. It’s great to go to the beach, but protect your skin when you are there. The Canadian Cancer Society puts it plainly: tanned skin is damaged skin.
- Raising sun-safe kids is one of the most valuable assists you can give them. Good habits formed early can lower their risk of sun damage and skin cancer for life – and children learn by watching you.
- A Vitamin D supplement is safer and as effective than counting on the sun for your daily dose. As Dr. Rosen advises, there’s no need to put your skin at risk for it.
- Don’t let clouds fool you. UV rays push through thin cloud cover and UVA is present year-round – not just on blue-sky summer days.
- Reflective surfaces like water, sand, snow and even pavement can bounce UV rays back at you, increasing your total exposure without you realizing it.
- Easy-to-miss spots can add up to big damage over time. Don’t skip your neck, ears, nose, the backs of your arms and your lips – a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher counts as sun protection too.
- Cosmetics labelled with SPF are a good start, but typically fall short on their own – particularly against UVA radiation. Layer proper sunscreen underneath as your first line of defence.
- Check the expiry date on your sunscreen before the season starts. If it’s past due, or has changed in colour or smell, it’s time for a new bottle.
- Don’t leave sunscreen in a hot car or bag. Heat breaks down the active ingredients making it less effective when you need it most. Heat can also evaporate the vehicle, increasing the strength of the active ingredients, which may prove irritating to skin.
- Check your skin regularly for anything new, changing or unusual – a mole, spot or growth that wasn’t there before. Most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early.
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