Sunscreen Facts for Smarter Sun Safety
Medical review by Evelina Ingersoll, APRN
Most of us know enough to pack sunscreen before hitting the beach, spending the day at the lake or pool or working outdoors. But which sunscreen should you choose? How should you apply it and how much should you apply? And does it expire?
Read on for answers to frequently asked questions that will help you get the maximum protection from sunscreen.
Does everyone need to use sunscreen?
Yes. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause sunburn, dark spots, leathery skin and skin cancer. The risk of developing skin cancer is higher if you have fair skin and burn easily, but anyone can get it, regardless of their skin tone or age. Even young people get melanoma, one of the deadliest types of skin cancer.
Many men are resistant to wearing sunscreen, but they need it too.
How does sunscreen work?
There are two basic types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral.
Chemical sunscreens sink into the skin and absorb the sun’s rays. Those rays are converted into heat, which is released from the body. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin and work by deflecting the sun’s rays.
What is SPF and what SPF do I need?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It’s a measure of how well the product protects against UVB rays (the burning rays). The higher the SPF, the more protection the product offers.
According to the FDA, it’s a common misconception that SPF relates to how much time it takes to get burned (for example, that SPF 15 means you can stay in the sun 15 times longer than you could without sunscreen before you get burned). It’s actually a measure of how much UV radiation it takes to produce a sunburn on protected skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. You can buy sunscreen with higher SPF, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun’s rays. Also, a higher SPF doesn’t mean you can use less or reapply less often.
When do I need to use sunscreen?
Use it every day that you’ll be outside, however briefly. Sun damage can start after as little as 10 minutes, and the effects are cumulative. Even walking from the car to the office or store without sunscreen can add to the damage.
You’ll also want to wear sunscreen when you’re sitting indoors next to a window, when you’re in the car and when you’re on a plane or train if you have a window seat. Window glass filters some, but not all, UVA rays, which cause premature skin aging as well as skin cancer. (UVB rays, the “burning” rays, don’t pass through windows, which is why you can’t get sunburned through a window.)
RELATED: 4 Surprising Times You Need to Wear Sunscreen
Don’t save the sunscreen for warm, sunny days. Most of the sun’s UV rays pass through clouds. Snow, sand and water all reflect those rays.
How much sunscreen should I use on my body?
Squeeze strips of sunscreen along the lengths of your index finger and middle finger. This should be about the right amount to cover your face, neck and ears.
Don’t rely on the SPF in your moisturizer or makeup for sunscreen protection if you’ll be outside for any significant length of time. It’s unlikely that you can use enough or reapply often enough to get the benefit you’d get from a sunscreen with the same SPF.
Remember that lips get sunburned, too. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.
When should I apply sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens don’t work until they have been absorbed into the skin, which can take 10 minutes or more. That’s why experts recommend applying sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside. Mineral sunscreen stays on top of the skin and starts working right away.
Apply sunscreen after applying your moisturizer, not before.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
If you’re spending the day outdoors, reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Even water-resistant sunscreens can wear off or rub off; there are no totally waterproof sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens are typically more water-resistant than mineral sunscreens.
The FDA requires that sunscreen labels indicate when to reapply, after either 40 or 80 minutes when swimming or sweating.
How do I choose the best sunscreen?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone choose sunscreen with:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF 30 or higher
- Water resistance
Sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum” protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Both rays can cause skin cancer.
Beyond these three factors, choosing the best sunscreen is a matter of personal preference. When it comes down to it, the best sunscreen is the one you’re most likely to use.
Lotions, creams and gels all work well. Creams are best for people with dry skin. Because they are thicker, they may be better for the face than lotions. You can also choose sunscreen made specifically for children, for sensitive skin or for faces. You can even use different types of sunscreen for different parts of the body.
Men may prefer a gel sunscreen for hairy areas such as the scalp or chest.
Does sunscreen spray work?
Sprays work only if you’re able to get full coverage, which can be tricky. Follow these tips:
- Hold the can close to your skin and spray generously.
- Rub the spray in, even if the label says you don’t need to. You can’t always tell where you’ve sprayed and where you haven’t.
- When using spray sunscreen for your face, spray it into your hands first, then apply it to your face. Spray sunscreen can irritate the eyes and the lungs if inhaled.
- Be careful when using spray sunscreen on a windy day. Even a slight breeze can redirect the spray, and you’ll end up unprotected.
- There’s also a greater chance of inhaling it or getting it in your eyes. (People nearby may also inhale it.)
- Don’t spray while smoking or near a grill or other source of fire. Aerosol sprays can be flammable.
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes, but it has a long shelf life. The FDA requires sunscreens to post an expiration date unless testing shows that the product will remain stable for at least three years.
Go by the expiration date. If there’s isn’t one, discard the product after three years. If you notice color or consistency changes, it’s best to replace it.
Does sunscreen interfere with vitamin D absorption?
Our bodies produce vitamin D from sunlight that strikes our skin, so daily use of sunscreen may result in decreased vitamin D production. More studies are needed, but most research to date shows no association between sunscreen use and vitamin D deficiency in healthy people.
If you’re concerned about getting enough vitamin D, have a conversation with your doctor. You can get more vitamin D through your diet or dietary supplements.
Does it matter where I store my sunscreen?
Yes. Keep it out of direct sun. If you’re on the beach or by the pool, wrap it in a towel or keep it in the shade. On the hottest days, keep it in your cooler if you have one.
Written by Ann Pietrangelo, an author and freelance writer specializing in health and wellness.
4 Surprising Times You Need to Wear Sunscreen
Medical review by Tanya Sperber, APRN
You know you’re supposed to wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days and in winter, but there are times when you probably wouldn’t think to bother with it. For example, what’s the point if you’re going to spend most of your day in your office?
Surprise! You can be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays in some common places that aren’t exactly outdoors. Over time, this exposure may contribute to an increased risk of wrinkles and skin cancer.
Prepare to slather on sun protection when you find yourself in the following situations.
Sitting by a window
Windows protect you from the sun’s rays, right? Yes and no. Glass blocks most UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn. That’s why many people assume it’s fine to sit by a sunny window without wearing sunscreen. But according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 50% of UVA rays, which are the main cause of premature aging and also contribute to some skin cancers, pass through glass.
If you’re sitting next to a window, or even if you’re a few feet away from it, it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen. For maximum protection, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
"The best way to incorporate sunscreen in your regimen is to find one you love," said Tanya Sperber, APRN, a board-certified advanced practice registered nurse with Water's Edge Dermatology. "Elta MD Elements is a lightweight tinted sunscreen women can apply everyday prior to applying makeup. This sunscreen provides all the benefits of a physical barrier sunscreen without feeling heavy on the skin, apply makeup over or just apply sunscreen and go. A great non-tinted option for men is Elta MD Sheer - it works well for men with facial hair, rubs in completely and if you’re not sweating or swimming, you’re protected all day with a barrier zinc sunscreen."
If your desk or favorite perch is near a window, consider installing UV-blocking window film for extra protection. These block up to 99.9% of UV radiation and are available in a variety of tints. You can have window film professionally installed or buy it at a home improvement store and install it yourself.
Driving your car
Does the left side of your face have more wrinkles or age spots than the right? Driving may be the reason.
While the windshield of your car blocks most UVA (and UVB) rays, your side windows may provide less protection. A 2016 study found that while windshields in a car blocked an average of 96% of UVA radiation, the side windows blocked an average of just 71%.
The difference is due to the types of glass. Windshields are made of two plates of glass with a layer of plastic between to make them shatterproof. Side windows don’t have that plastic layer, which is what provides most of the windshield’s UVA protection.
Experts suspect that weaker UVA protection from side windows may help explain why skin cancer is more common on the left side of the body. So, if you have a daily commute or spend long periods of time in a car, wear sunscreen. Do so even if the side windows are tinted, since the level of UVA protection that tinted windows provide varies. Remember to apply it to your arms, hands, and face.
Keep the sunscreen handy, but don’t store it in the car. The heat that gets trapped in the car can break down the chemicals in sunscreen and make it less effective.
You can also protect yourself by installing UV-blocking window film on your car’s side windows.
Traveling by plane
If you find yourself in a window seat on your next flight, you’ll need more than your boarding pass before takeoff: You’ll need a thorough application of sunscreen, too.
At 30,000 feet, the sun is much stronger than at ground level, and windows on planes (and buses and trains) may not provide adequate protection from UVA rays.
While the risk of sun damage and skin cancer appears to be higher for pilots and flight crew members than passengers, it’s still smart to wear sunscreen when you fly. Just remember that the Transportation Safety Administration currently allows no more than 3.4 ounces of sunscreen in a carry-on.
Getting a gel manicure
Love gel manicures? You’re not alone. Gels make manicures last longer compared to nail polish, but they have to be set using nail lamps that emit high-intensity UVA light.
The risk of UV damage and skin cancer from the lamps, if any, is probably low. A recent review of medical literature did not find evidence of an increased risk of skin cancer in people under 40 who’ve had gel manicures. Still, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying sunscreen to your hands protect yourself. If you prefer, you can wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off.
If you get gel manicures regularly, consider saving them for special occasions.
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Brooklyn, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org and many other outlets.
A Melanoma Warning for Millennials and Gen Z
Medical review by Alissa O'Brien, MD
Whether you’re in your 30s, 20s or teens, chances are you think of skin cancer as a vague and distant threat, if you think of it at all. But the statistics may surprise you.
It’s true that melanoma, which can be fatal, is most often seen in older adults. The average age at diagnosis is 63. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen earlier in life — it can, and more and more often, it does. In fact, melanoma is the most diagnosed age-related cancer among people ages 25 to 29. In people ages 15 to 29, it’s the third most common age-related cancer for males and fourth most common for females.
Young women get melanoma more often than young men. Before age 50, women are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer except breast and thyroid cancer.
But men should wake up and smell the sunscreen, too. Cases of melanoma on the head and neck increased by 51% among children, teens and young adults in the U.S. and Canada between 1995 and 2014 according to a 2019 study; and in the U.S., most of the increase was driven by melanoma in white males.
A deadlier threat in men
Melanoma is deadlier in men, including young men, than women. One study found that while teen and young adult males were less likely than females of the same age to develop melanoma, they were 55% more likely to die of it, regardless of tumor thickness.
Experts don’t understand all the reasons men face worse melanoma survival rates than women, but they do know that men’s skin and women’s skin are structurally different. Women are also more likely to wear sunscreen — and are less hesitant to see a doctor when they suspect something’s wrong.
An ounce (or two) of prevention
Sun protection is the key to preventing most cases of melanoma. That means staying out of the sun when its rays are strongest and protecting yourself from head to toe with clothing, hats and broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or more). Don’t skimp on the sunscreen, either. Imagine filling a shot glass, which holds 1.5 ounces, with sunscreen. That’s about how much you need to cover your face and body.
Guys: If you are bald or balding and choose not to wear a hat, put sunscreen on your head. Men are more prone to skin cancer on the scalp (and ears) than women. A gel or spray sunscreen works well on hairy areas. If you wear a hat, you still need to apply sunscreen to your face, ears and neck.
If you go shirtless, apply sunscreen all over, including under your arms. But even if you keep your shirt on, it’s smart to apply sunscreen underneath. If you can see light through your shirt when you hold it up to the sun, UV rays can get to your skin through it.
No such thing as a healthy tan
In 2019, Blue Cross Blue Shield published results of a survey showing that among millennials:
- 58% think a tan makes you more attractive
- 53% believe a tan makes you look healthy
- 31% use tanning beds to get a base tan
Attractiveness is objective, so you should ask yourself if you’d rather have a tan or skin cancer. As far as “base tans” go, there’s no such thing. And tanning bed use before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75%.
Male or female, light skinned or dark, melanoma prevention should be on everyone’s radar, especially those of us living in Florida. In addition to protecting yourself from UV rays, it’s also important to heed the warning signs of melanoma. The reason is simple: Early diagnosis and treatment just may save your life.
Written by Ann Pietrangelo, an author and freelance writer specializing in health and wellness.
New Skin Cancer Research & Treatment: Mid-2018 Update
For millions of Americans living with basal and squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, each new breakthrough in skin cancer research & treatment matters deeply.
For some, it can mean the difference between life and death.
Thankfully, there’s a wealth of productive skin cancer research & treatment activity occurring worldwide in 2018. There’s also more effort than ever to educate the public about prevention. More than ever, people understand that un/under-protected sun (or tanning bed) exposure damages the skin, and causes skin cancer.
But while more people are taking preventive measures, skin cancer rates keep rising. And to nobody’s great surprise, Florida leads the nation in annual diagnosed skin cancer cases.
Given these troubling truths, here’s to raising hopes as well. Let’s take a look at some of 2018’s brighter prospects in skin cancer research & treatment.
Breakthrough in Basal Cell Carcinoma Drug Resistance
With about 2 million new cases yearly, basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in America – and the most common cancer, period. If caught early enough, it can be treated successfully with surgical removal or targeted radiation treatment. If not, it can spread throughout the body. And, it can become notoriously drug-resistant.
That’s why the early-year announcement from Stanford University researchers was so potentially important. They’ve identified the protein behind the drug resistance and have had initial success blocking it. This has “significantly slowed the growth of drug-resistant basal cell carcinoma in mice”. More research and ultimately clinical trials on humans will be needed, but for now, hopeful news.
New Treatment for Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer with a million or so new cases a year. As with basal cell carcinoma, most cases can be treated successfully with surgery and/or radiation. But what if the disease progresses, what then?
For these advanced cases, there’s cause for new hope. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center announced the breakthrough in early June. A relatively new “immunotherapy” (more on that in a moment) drug called cemiplimab successfully shrank the tumors of almost half the patients in the study, by at least 30 percent.
Those are impressive numbers in the world of skin cancer research & treatment. Impressive enough for the FDA to grant “breakthrough therapy” status to the proposed new treatment, fast-tracking approval – and raising the hopes of many.
Focus of Melanoma & Skin Cancer Research & Treatment Shifting to Immunotherapy
The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, kills another American every hour. More than 175,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2018… and about ten thousand people will lose their lives.
If caught early and surgically removed, treatment is overwhelmingly successful. At more advanced stages, chemotherapy can be used, while newer targeted therapy and also combination therapy drug treatments are showing increasing success.
In recent years though, much of the focus in skin cancer research and treatment of malignant melanoma has shifted to immunotherapy. These are drug therapies intended to stimulate the patient’s own immune system to detect and kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy can be systemic, traveling the bloodstream through the entire body. Or it can be local, targeted to particular areas of the body, to specific tumors and lesions.
New targeted and combination treatments using different immunotherapy drugs have gained approval in recent years. Still other new drug therapies are in development. Results are promising.
For individuals and their families coping with advanced stage skin cancer, this can be life-changing or life-saving news. It’s especially worth noting that immunotherapy and other clinical trial opportunities are abundant, and available.
Good Bacteria May Help Treat Skin Cancer
You may have heard increasing evidence in recent years, that “good” bacteria (think probiotics) are critical to our intestinal and overall health. In February, new research from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine showed that the same principle may also apply to skin cancer research and treatment.
Initial tests on mice were intended to show whether common, usually harmless Staph bacteria from our skin could kill dangerous group A strep bacteria (strep throat, etc.). What they report finding instead, is big news:
"This unique strain of skin bacteria produces a chemical that kills several types of cancer cells but does not appear to be toxic to normal cell. We showed activity against melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and ultraviolet-induced precancerous lesions."
Needless to say, there’s much more research and testing to come. But for now, another exciting 2018 development in skin cancer research.
Significant Weight Loss = Significant Skin Cancer Risk Reduction?
Maybe it’s not so surprising, given the role obesity plays in other diseases and cancers. But the world of skin cancer research and treatment was caught a bit off guard recently when Swedish researchers released their report.
The large-scale study examined 2,000+ patients who’d had bariatric surgery for obesity, studying their overall health outcomes for nearly 20 years following the surgery. The results unexpectedly uncovered a skin cancer risk reduction of more than 40 percent. The risk of developing melanoma? Reduced by more than 60 percent.
Much more study is needed to assess all other factors and cement the seemingly causal link. But for now, more reason for optimism.
In general, 2018 is shaping up as a dynamic year for promising and successful new developments in skin cancer research and treatment. We can only hope for the same, and then some, for 2019 and beyond.
Finding the Right Partner in Skin Cancer Prevention, Detection & Treatment
All the best research in the world can't help people who remain beyond the healing reach of professional dermatological education, detection and treatment. Developing an ongoing partnership with a great dermatologist in Arcadia, Jensen Beach, Lighthouse Point, West Palm Beach or any other Florida locality, really is vitally important.
Having an already-established relationship with a top skin care team specializing in skin cancer can be a huge advantage. There’s simply no better way to understand, prevent, detect, and if necessary, treat skin cancer at the very earliest possible stage – when success rates are extremely high.
From comprehensive annual skin cancer screenings and preventive education to raise skin cancer awareness, to state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment, to the latest word on the newest skin cancer research and treatment therapies… we’re here, all across the Sunshine State, to unite and work with all Floridians in the fight against skin cancer.
Top 4 Overlooked Sun Damage Risks
If you’re like millions of other people, you’re probably enjoying as much outdoor fun in the sun as you can with friends and family this summer. And you probably know the basics of Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention:
- Avoiding direct sun exposure (if you can) from 10 am-4 pm, when UV rays are most harmful.
- Using SPF 30+ sunscreen on every inch of exposed skin, even on cloudy days.
- Keeping sunscreen, floppy hat, lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt and pants ready in the car, so you’re prepared for any unexpected, prolonged sun exposure.
But what about situations, when you don’t realize some part of your skin is endangered?
Caution around windows
Though windows offer some protection from UVB rays (chief cause of sunburns), they typically don’t block UVA rays that can cause skin cancer. About 90 percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by sunlight – including what’s streaming through the windows of your house. It may look great, but don’t get stuck sitting (or napping!) in its direct path for long.
When it comes to the workplace, many newer office buildings have UV blocking windows to protect employees during the workday, but you still need to be careful. If you’re getting direct exposure through untreated windows for more than 15 minutes a day, it’s worth asking your company to explore getting protective shades or other window treatments.
Sun exposure through car windows is also a big problem. That’s why so many skin cancer growths appear on the tops of hands and outer parts of arms of drivers. While not a major risk if you only drive 10-15 minutes or so at a time, those with longer commutes and other long drives need to look, see and understand exactly what part of their bodies are exposed to sunlight – and protect them.
Fortunately, most modern windshields are UV-protected, so it’s your side and rear windows you need to worry about. If needed, consider getting them UV-protected too. Also, consider wearing long-sleeved shirt and pants for longer trips, and applying (and remembering to reapply every 90 minutes) SPF 30+ sunscreen to all exposed skin.
Water/Sand/Snow increase risk of sun damage
Don’t forget that when you’re at the beach or other waterfront, the water, sand and even the sea foam all reflect and intensify damaging UV rays. And because those reflected rays are often bouncing up at you from below, that can cause sunburn damage to unexpected places, including the underside of your chin and nose, and the backs of your ears.
Meanwhile, although you probably won’t be playing in the snow this summer, know that the same goes for snow, with UV rays reflected by snow almost twice as powerful as normal.
Comprehensively applied and repeatedly reapplied sunscreen, protective clothing and shade are your allies in battling these heightened sun exposure risks.
Protection Important on Cloudy Days Too
The shade of clouds certainly can feel good and cool you down on a hot summer day, but don’t be lulled complacency. In fact, 87-percent of UV rays still make their way through clouds, fog and mist. Bottom line? Same risks and sun protection necessities apply on overcast days as do on clear ones. All it takes is one awful, unexpected, cloudy-day sunburn to know that’s true!
Protect all your nooks and crannies
There are some areas on your body you may think don’t need sun protection, or that you overlook when applying sunscreen in too much of a rush. But unfortunately, they’re just as vulnerable to sun damage as the rest of your skin. So fully protect those hands, feet, backs of knees, necks, ears, and underarm areas!
To sum up, you may think it’s tiresome or overly cautious to keep up with all this, and some in your family (hmm, the kids, especially?) may think it’s a pain… but if you make it happen and stick with it, you’ll have the comfort of knowing you’re doing everything possible to prevent skin cancers for yourself and loved ones later in life, and you can continue enjoying the great outdoors in safety, and good health.
To learn more about skin cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment, please visit the Skin Cancer section of our Water’s Edge Dermatology website.
Don't Spray Sunscreen on Kids ... At Least for Now
The Food and Drug Administration announced last month that it was investigating the potential risks of spray sunscreens. Of particular concern to us is the possibility that people might accidentally breathe in the ingredients, a risk that’s greatest in children, who — as any parent knows — are more likely to squirm around when they’re being sprayed.
As a result, we now say that until the FDA completes its analysis, the products should generally not be used by or on children. We have also removed one sunscreen spray — Ocean Potion Kids Instant Dry Mist SPF 50 — from the group of recommended sunscreens in our sunscreen ratings, because it is marketed especially for children.
Finally, we would like to reemphasize our longstanding advice that you use sprays carefully, by following these tips:
- Don’t use sprays on children, unless you have no other product available. In that case, spray the sunscreen onto your hands and rub it on. As with all sunscreens, be especially careful on the face, taking care to avoid the eyes and mouth.
- Adults can still use sprays — but don’t spray your face! Instead, spray on your hands and rub it on, making sure to avoid your eyes and mouth. And try to avoid inhaling it.
- Make sure you apply enough. Our tests have found that sprays can work well when used properly — but it is harder to make sure that you apply enough, especially when it’s windy. We recommend spraying as much as can be evenly applied, and then repeating, just to be safe. On windy days, you might want to spray the sunscreen on your hands and rub it on — or just choose one of our recommended lotions instead.
This entry was shared from Consumer Reports.
Effective Sunburn Treatment
If you got a nasty sunburn recently, here are some treatment options, as well as tips to prevent future burns and a warning about the dangers of catching too many rays.
We love this great video as a quick refresher.
Sunburn treatment
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends these five steps to treat a sunburn:
- Don’t wait to treat. A sunburn can take some time to develop, so you should get out of the sun and follow steps 2-5 as soon as possible if you feel a sunburn coming on.
- Moisturize and repeat. Use a cream or lotion to soothe your burn, and to help prevent peeling. You’ve probably heard that aloe vera is a good treatment for sunburn, and although initial research has shown only that aloe may help heal burns, at the very least, it will soothe the burn’s heat and pain.
- Drink lots of water. One side effect of a sunburn is that the fluid in your body is drawn to the surface, to your skin. To make sure you don’t get dehydrated, drink plenty of water.
- Take an anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen can help to reduce swelling and redness if taken as soon as you feel the burn coming on.
- Seek medical help if necessary. If you’re experiencing bad blistering, fever or chills, seek the help of a medical professional.
The Long and Short of UV rays
Coolers, beach chairs, umbrellas and sunscreen, lots of sunscreen, are popping up in endless colorful displays throughout stores nationwide! This could only mean one thing, summer is on the horizon!
Picking out a sunscreen to protect yourself and your family can be a bit confusing. What brand do I want? What spf do I need? What does UVA and UVB protectants even mean?
Let's start with the basics...
Ultraviolet UV rays are emitted from the sun in three lengths. UVA are the long rays, UVB are the short rays and UVC are absorbed in the ozone layer before they even make it to earth. Over the years research has shown that both UVA and UVB can cause damage to the skin. These rays are proven human carcinogens which means they can cause genetic mutations in the skin leading to skin cancers.
UVA rays are the long rays which can penetrate their way deeper into the skin and are responsible for skin aging and wrinkling. They are present during all daylight hours and remain even throughout the year. The tilt of the earth during various seasons does not change the level of UVA rays found in sunlight. These UVA rays can penetrate clouds and even glass when you are indoors or in your car. As you can see, the recommendation of daily sunscreen as part of a good skin care regimen is important.
UVA rays are responsible for damaging the keratinocytes which are found in the basal layer of the epidermis. Basal cells and squamous cells are both types of keratinocytes. Damage to these cells can lead to to both basal cell carcinoma and/or squamous cell carcinoma which are the first and second most common forms of skin cancer.
UVB are the short rays which penetrate and damage the more superficial layers of the skin known as the epidermal layers. These short rays are responsible for burning and reddening of the skin. The intensity of the UVB rays varies with season, location and time of day. UVB rays are most intense between the hours of 10am to 4pm from April through October. Avoidance of the sun during these peak hours is an effective way to prevent skin damage. Although at higher altitudes and with reflection on ice or snow, UVB rays can cause damage throughtout the year. In contrast to UVA, UVB do not significanlty pass through glass.
Protection is Key!
Now that we know both UVA and UVB rays can cause long lasting skin damage what do we do? Protecting yourself and your family is your primary prevention. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and sun protective clothing are key. When choosing a sunscreen read carefully, select a product with "broad-spectrum" coverage for both UVA/UVB protection with as spf of 30 or higher!
Please stay tuned for our second part of sun protection....Choosing Sunscreen, Mineral vs Chemical?
Reference: www.skincancer.org, 2013 The Skin Cancer Foundation | 149 Madison Avenue Suite 901 New York, New York