Sunscreen is one of the main tools in the prevention of skin cancer. Find out more about how to choose and appropriately use an excellent sunscreen for you and your family.
With the arrival of warm summer weather, states have started to relax their COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Excited to spend time with family and friends, persons are now planning vacations, with one destination remaining a popular choice for most: the beach. However, extra time spent bathing in the sun increases our exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and raises our risk for developing skin cancer.
July is UV Safety Month. We know that among the finest ways to practice UV safety is to wear sunscreen every day. That will help you choose and correctly utilize the best product for your needs, review the nine facts about sunscreen listed below.
Fact #1: Broad Spectrum Sunscreens are Best
UV radiation from the sun includes two types of harmful rays:
Ultraviolet A (UVA) Rays: Most common; cause premature aging of your skin (e.g., wrinkles)
Ultraviolet B (UVB) Rays: Most dangerous; cause sunburns
Overexposure to both types of rays could cause skin cancer. Sunscreens labeled as “broad spectrum” help protect against the effects of both UVA and UVB rays.
Fact #2: Aim for a Sunscreen with at Least 30 SPF
A sunscreen’s sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much protection the product offers against UV radiation. Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 block 97 percent of the sun’s rays.
Fact #3: No Sunscreen is Waterproof or Sweat Proof
Manufacturers can no longer advertise sunscreens as waterproof or sweat proof. Instead, products are actually labeled:
Water Resistant: Effective for 40 minutes in water
Very Water Resistant: Effective for 80 minutes in water
The AAD recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours, after getting out of the water, or after sweating.
Fact #4: Children Under Six (6) Months Typically SHOULDN'T Wear Sunscreen
Infant skin is more sensitive than adult skin. To protect infants younger than six months, the AAD recommends keeping them in the shade as much as possible; dressing them in protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat; and making sure they stay hydrated. For anyone who is still concerned about sun exposure, ask your pediatrician if he/she recommends sunscreen.
Fact #5: Sunscreen is One Tool in Your UV Safety Toolbox
There are many methods to reduce your exposure to UV radiation. Experts recommend combining sunscreen use with wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade when possible, and avoiding outdoor activities when the sun is most intense.
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