by Alexis Cala, PICurrent Assistant Producer
Courtesy of Aine D
Sun safety means more than just having sunscreen on these days. If you really want to protect your skin then you may want to listen up.
Sunscreens now come in all shapes, sizes, colors, mists, and lotions but the idea remains the same. Sunscreen helps prevent the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
Many sun lovers buy sunscreen depending on its SPF, or Sunburn Protection Factor, which lets you know how well it protects against UVB rays. While the SPF number is important, some sunscreen labels can be confusing and you may think your getting more protection than you really are.
What you should know:
- UVB and UVA: UVB rays cause you to burn, but both types of UV rays are dangerous and can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and skin damage.
- Opt for broad-spectrum sunscreen: Which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If you don’t know if it’s a broad-spectrum sunscreen check for these ingredients.
- Babies: If your child is under 6 months, talk to your doctor. The best protection for baby skin is shade and protective clothing.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working on improving labels to tell you more about UV protection and ensure you have all the facts. Until these changes take place you can protect yourself and those you care about by taking a few simple precautions (read the full story on USA Today).
Before you go out in the sun:
- Apply it right: Put sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours (or as directed).
- How much: Use 1 ounce of sunscreen (a shot glass full) and reapply after swimming, toweling off, sweating, etc.
- Check the label: look for at least an SPF 15 with UVA and UVB protection, also water resistance will keep it on longer, but this doesn’t mean water proof so keep applying!
- Cover up: Bring clothing that protects like a hat, glasses, long pants, etc. Avoid strong UV rays by staying out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Look for a seal of recommendation: Look for the American Academy of Dermatology or Skin Cancer Foundation seal. This means the sunscreen meets the highest standards for safety and effectiveness.
Playing in the sun is great, but overdoing it without protection can have serious consequences. Use this nifty sun calculator to find out how long you can stay in the sun with your SPF, check a weather report for the UV-index and don’t forget the sunscreen!
For more information about sun safety, please visit:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
[...] Sunscreen Protects Where the Sun Does Shine [...]