July 21, 2022 | You may not know what you are going to wear this summer when you’re enjoying the great outdoors but one thing you should put on is sunscreen. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Each year, more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. The Food and Drug Administration requires that all sunscreens contain a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, label. The SPF reveals the relative amount of sunburn protection that a sunscreen can provide an average user when correctly used. Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 are recommended. You should be aware that an SPF of 30 is not twice as protective as an SPF of 15; rather, when properly used, an SPF of 15 protects the skin from 93 percent of UV radiation, and an SPF 30 sunscreen provides 97 percent protection.

July 21, 2022 | Some people are more vulnerable than others to the harmful effects of the sun and should take steps to protect themselves from sunburn, including wearing sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Skin type affects the degree to which some people burn and the time it takes them to burn. The Food and Drug Administration classifies skin type on a scale from 1 to 6. Individuals with lower number skin types, 1 and 2, have fair skin and tend to burn rapidly and more severely. Individuals with higher number skin types, 5 and 6, though capable of burning, have darker skin and do not burn as easily. In addition to skin type, living in a sunny or high-altitude climate increases your risk of sunburn. People who live in sunny climates are exposed to more sunlight than are people who live in colder climates. In addition, living at higher elevations, where the sunlight is strongest, exposes you to more radiation and increases the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

July 21, 2022 | Broad-spectrum sunscreens often contain a number of chemical ingredients that absorb ultraviolet radiation, of which there are two types. UVA rays, which are not absorbed by the ozone layer, penetrate deep into the skin and heavily contribute to premature aging. UVB rays, which are partially absorbed by the ozone layer, mostly affect the surface of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. Many sunscreens contain UVA-absorbing avobenzone or a benzophenone in addition to UVB-absorbing chemical ingredients. In rare cases, these chemical ingredients can cause skin reactions like dryness, itching, redness, swelling and tightening of the skin. Consult a physician if these symptoms occur. These reactions are most commonly associated with PABA-based sunscreens and those containing benzophenones. Some sunscreens also contain alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives and should be avoided if you have skin allergies.

July 21, 2022 | Sunscreen comes in lotions, creams, sprays and lip balms, but it’s only effective if used and used properly. The Skin Cancer Foundation says that when choosing a sunscreen, use one with an SPF, or sun protection factor, of at least 15. Talk to your pediatrician before using a sunscreen on an infant less than 6 months old and always use a sunscreen with a high SPF on children older than 6 months. Make sure you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and use about one ounce of sunscreen for good coverage. It should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours. Be sure to reapply sunscreen after swimming or drying off with a towel. Follow the directions on the label carefully, and ask your pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Be aware of how much time you spend in the sun, your skin doesn’t have to turn red to be damaged by the sun’s rays.

July 21, 2022 | If you’re going to be outdoors this summer and don’t want to get sunburned, avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun’s rays are strongest during these hours so try to limit the amount of time you’re outdoor during these peak hours. You should also wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a broad-brimmed hat, which provides more protection than a baseball cap or golf visor. When it comes to sunglasses, look for a manufacturer’s label that says the sunglasses block 100 percent of all UV light. To be even more effective, choose sunglasses that fit close to your face or have wraparound frames that block sunlight from all angles. And forget getting a “base” tan prevent sunburn. There is no scientific proof that a few sessions of indoor tanning will protect you from burning in the sun. A base tan is no substitute for sound sun protection and plus, the risks of long-term tanning outweigh the unproven benefits of a base tan.