Your summer cocktail can secretly damage your skin. A new study shows how

When did you get sunburn for the last time? If you are almost a third of American adults, you probably experience at least one last year, but do you know what is in your cup, it can be worse? [Also read: Drinking alcohol good for your cholesterol levels? Study reveals unexpected health benefit you won’t believe]

A new study by the Florida Atlantic University highlights the surprising pattern of how American skin cancer thinks and how alcohol, wealth and lifestyle options play a role.

Your cocktail can fuel your sunburn

Research published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that more than one of the five sunlight was drinking alcohol at that time. This is correct – your beach margita can increase your risk.

Alcohol can make you less aware of how long you have been in the sun, reduce your ability to re -apply sunscreen and even affect your body’s ability to repair UV damage.

Nobody talks about skin cancer epidemic

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, in which the health system costs around $ 9 billion annually. While most people worry about melanoma – the deadliest types – other forms such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are even more widespread.

• Basal cell carcinoma: Often appears as bright bumps or pink patches.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Red, crust shows as patch or open wounds.
• Melanoma: Usually looks like an unusual mole or turns into an existing.

Nevertheless, despite its prevalence, the study found that most Americans are not worried. Only 10 percent reported to be extremely concerned about developing skin cancer, while most were only somewhat or a little worried.

Sunburn: silent cancer risk

Dermatologists warns that only five blistering sunburn between the ages of 15 and 20 can increase your risk of your melanoma by 80 percent. This is a shocking figure for some people, which rejects as a slight heat disturbance.

Who is burning the most? Amazing trends

The research team surveyed over 6,000 American adults and found unexpected patterns:

• Rich people get more sunlight. Individuals earning $ 200,000+ per year were four times more likely to report sunburn than people with low -income.
• Higher education is not equal to better sun protection. People with graduates and advanced degrees of college reported more sunburn than people with only one high school diploma.
• Young adults (18–39) burn more often than older adults.
• Men get more sunburn than women.
• White Americans report more sunburn than black or Hispanic Americans.

Why are rich, educated people burning more often? It probably comes down to lifestyle – outdoor holidays, boats, skiing and beach activities are more accessible to people with high income and flexible work programs.

Buzz and burn connection

In the sunburn group, 21.5 percent was drinking alcohol at that time. Drinking in the sun affects your decision, so that you forget to get out sunscreen or wrong how long you are out.

Other general activities are included during sunburn episodes:

• Working out (11.3 percent)
• Swimming (10.1 percent)
• Exercise (7.3 percent)

Smart Sun Strategies: How to protect yourself

With this new research, how can you stay safe in the sun?

• Sunscreen is an essential. Use SPF 30 or higher, apply it 15-30 minutes before the sun exposure, and re-apply every two hours.
• Be aware of peak UV hours. The rays of the sun are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
• cover up. Wear long sleeves, pants, wide caps, and UV-fierce sunglasses.
• Look for the shadow. Natural or artificial shade can significantly reduce UV exposure.
• Leave the arms bed. The indoor tanning dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer.
• Check your skin. Follow the ABCDE rule: disparity, range irregularities, color changes, diameter increases and growth over time.
• Be extra careful around the reflective surfaces. Water, sand and ice are intensified by exposure to the sun.
• Stay hydrated. Healthy skin starts from within!

Why does it matter

The next time you are walking on the beach with a cocktail in hand, remember that the risk of alcohol and sun is a risky combination. Re -applying sunscreen can save your skin in search of shade – literally.

Public health campaigns may need to be reconsidered on their views. Instead of focusing only on normal sun protection, they can be more effective targeting high -income groups and alcohol consumers, which surprisingly, experience more sunburn.

“Understanding these social factors is important to deal with the widespread damage of skin cancer,” said Madison Atzel, author of Florida Atlantic University.

So, protect your skin, limit your drink and reconsider your sun habits. Your future will thank you yourself.

Note the readers: This article is only for informative purposes and is not an option for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any question about a medical condition.