Staying Safe in the Sun This Summer

The summer means a lot of things, one of which is a lot of time in the sun. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, protecting your skin with a proper sunscreen is crucial.

Summertime is closing in and as the weather heats up, we want to be sure we are frolicking safely in the bright sunshine. The sun feels so good, and it is oftentimes easy to forget that keeping sunscreen on during the hot sunny summer days is very important. Sunscreen is a proven way to help prevent skin cancer and also premature aging of the skin.

There is no shortage of sunscreens available in stores. Just walk into almost any retailer now, and you will see the display of sunglasses, umbrellas and the array of available sunscreens.  Here is some information that may help you decide on a sunscreen that is right for you.

What’s the SPF (Sun Protection Factor): This is an important factor to look at. Sunscreens must go through FDA approved testing to achieve this rating. The SPF factor is a measure of protection from the sun’s UVB rays. This is important, but you should choose a sunscreen that is considered “broad spectrum” which will also afford some protection against harmful UVA rays of the sun. Ingredients that protect against harmful UVA rays include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, oxybenzone, and avobenzone, for example. There are some advocates that find using chemicals unsettling and like alternatives. Micronized zinc oxide is a viable alternative, as zinc oxide works to form a physical barrier, not a chemical one. Still, don’t feel lulled into a false sense of security; these don’t afford all day complete protection either.

Most dermatologists I speak with will recommend SPF 30-50, no higher, as high-SPF sunscreens don’t afford much more sun protection. Properly applied SPF 50 sunscreen will block about 98 percent of the UVB rays, where SPF 100 blocks about 99 percent; not a huge difference there.

Is it waterproof: Use a water-resistant sunscreen if you will be swimming or getting wet. Generally, water-resistant products will remain protective in the water for 40-80 minutes. (Check your labels to understand exactly how well your sunscreen work when it’s wet).

How long does it work for: Even with sunscreen it is best to avoid sitting out in direct sunlight between the peak hours of 10 am and 3 pm. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before outdoor activity and be sure to cover all exposed areas. Remember to reapply sunscreens about every 2 hours (according to consumer reports) and more frequently if swimming or sweating. There are also spray versions of sunscreens available, but these are being studied more for the potential of inhalation, at this point, I would recommend a lotion or cream as a sunscreen.

Overall, remember the following points:

• Less direct sun exposure is always best
• Wear sun protective clothing and sunglasses to help prevent sun damage
• Make sure that your sunscreen has the words “broad spectrum” on it to afford some protection from both UVA and UVB rays

And remember to always be safe and have fun!!!