At this point, we are all fairly aware that the suns rays pose risks to our skin and even more importantly, to our health. But do you know the fundamentals of sunscreen? To learn the basics of protecting yourself,
Sunscreen protects us from the UV rays the sun gives off. When it’s on your skin, it can either absorb the energy from the UV rays so your skin does not, reflect or scatter the UV rays away, or do a combination of both.
The SPF factor in a sunscreen is a way of informing consumers of the multiple of time a given person is prevented from sunburn. It compares how many multiples of minutes you are prevented from sunburn for your given type of skin. For example, if you are fair and usually see the signs of sunburn within 10 minutes, then an SPF30 sunscreen means that you are protected for 30 times as long to see the same first signs of sunburn (300 minutes in this case). It is very important to remember that this is a generalization, and many factors can alter this equation, such as your skin type, time of day, time of year, how well you have applied your sunscreen, and the amount of sunscreen you have used.
UVA rays are constantly present, no matter the season or the weather. You can get sun damage on a cloudy day thanks to UVA rays. They are so powerful that they also penetrate some clothing and even glass. UVA rays are the rays responsible for the signs of aging because they are able to penetrate much deeper into the surface of the skin, damaging the cells beneath.
UVB rays are the rays that cause us to sunburn. Unlike UVA rays, these rays aren’t always the same strength year round. In fact, they’re more prevalent in the summer months, however they are able to reflect off of water or snow, so it’s always important to protect yourself year-round. UVB rays are responsible for causing the majority of skin cancers. While large doses of UVA rays can contribute to cancer, it’s the UVB rays that are commonly to blame. If you’ve heard the common advice to stay out of the sun during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest, it’s the UVB rays you’re trying to avoid.
Sunscreen should be applied approximately twenty minutes before you will be exposed to the actual sun in order to give it time to fully penetrate your skin. If you are swimming, you should reapply every hour, or after you have come out of the water. Waterproof formulas work by creating a “film” on your skin, so not to wash off, but to be sure of protection, reapplication is recommended. If you are not swimming, it is recommended that you reapply every two hours.
The average adult needs around two tablespoons, or 1 oz of sunscreen, the equivalent of a shot glass, in order to be protected.
There are many sunscreen formula options to choose from: lotions, gels, stick-on, and sprays just to name a few. Choosing a sunscreen formula depends on your skin type and what you prefer. I like sunscreens that don’t make my skin feel sticky or oily, so I like to use lotion formulas. I also like oil-free formulations for my face, since I have oily skin. For my back, and other hard to reach places, spray formulas work beautifully.
When it comes to sunscreen, there are physical blockers and then there are chemical blockers. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are the two main ingredients that physically block the suns rays. Physical blockers deflect or scatter the suns rays, while chemical blockers absorb them. Most sunscreens that contain ingredients beyond the big two (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are chemical blockers. A downside to chemical blockers is that those with sensitive skin may become irritated by chemical blockers, or have an allergic reaction to them. When in doubt, stick with physical blockers, especially for those searching for sunscreen for babies and children. Also, when selecting a sunscreen, look for the words “broad-spectrum,” which indicates the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
For more information on protecting yourself and loved ones from the suns harmful rays this spring and summer, visit The Skin Cancer Foundation website. Here’s to having fun in the sun!
[I am not a doctor or a dermatologist. These facts are provided via my various years of research on sun protection and sunscreen. Please see your dermatologist or doctor for the latest on protecting your skin.]
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