Health Information
Skin Health and the Sun
Stay Sun Safe
Something as simple as kicking around a soccer ball in the afternoon with your daughter can expose your skin to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The good news is… you can protect your skin by understanding how the UV rays work and the proper use of sunscreen.
Ultraviolet Rays Explained: The sun radiates invisible ultraviolet light in the form of UVA and UVB rays. Both types of UV rays cause skin damage.
UVA rays are related to long-term aging of our skin, mostly by producing wrinkles. UVB rays cause sunburns and many experts consider UVB rays a likely cause of skin cancer. There is no safe method to expose skin to either type of UV ray.
The shade of your complexion may determine your risk for sun damage. But everyone, even those with dark skin, can suffer from long-term sun damage.
Consider that most of us are exposed to UV rays in short amounts everyday - while walking in parking lots, gardening, jogging or playing with children. A lifetime of short exposure can result in long-term sun damage. So protecting your skin from UV ray damage every day is among the most important steps to maintaining healthy skin. And using sunscreen every day is the first step. Sunscreen products are available in a wide range of sun protection factors (SPF) from 15 to 45+.
Defining SPF: SPF ratings compare the number of minutes you can spend in the sun to one minute of unprotected UVB exposure.
For example, if you properly apply a sunscreen with an SPF 30, you will be exposed to about one minute’s worth of unprotected UVB exposure for each 30 minutes of protected exposure. If you spend 60 minutes in the sun wearing an SPF 30 sunscreen, you’ll receive about the same amount of UVB rays as you would during two minutes of unprotected exposure. And applying an SPF 45 sunscreen allows you to spend 90 minutes in the sun while being exposed to two minute’s worth of UVB rays on unprotected skin. Keep in mind that sunscreens do not completely block UBV rays. They are designed to allow wearers to extend the amount of time spent in the sun while minimizing UVB exposure.
Sunscreen products are formulated to protect skin from UVB rays, the sunburn culprit; however, there is no standard method of protecting skin from UVA rays.
Keep in mind that sunscreen should not be used as the only source of sun protection. Always use sunscreen in combination with hats, long sleeve shirts, sunglasses and shade.
Try to use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 for daily protection. Consider using a product with a higher SPF for enhanced protection, especially if you know you’ll be exposed to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV rays are at their strongest.
Sunscreens are available in many consistencies: sticks, gels, lotions, creams, and recently in spray form so there’s an option to match everyone’s preference. Protect the sensitive skin on lips from burning too. Some lipsticks and lip balms contain SPF 15 or higher.
Set-Up Time: Did you know sunscreen needs time to "set?" For maximum protection, apply sunscreen to bare, dry skin at least 20 and preferably 30 minutes before venturing into the sun. Remember to reapply every two hours and immediately after perspiring or swimming.
Cloudy days are no excuse to avoid applying sunscreen or moisturizer with a minimum SPF 15. Up to 80% of ultraviolet rays penetrate even thick clouds. So protecting your skin everyday is an important step to life-long skin health.
Remember to "Slip, Slop, Slap: Australians suffer from some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Their "Slip, Slop, Slap: campaign was created to help protect citizens in that sunny country from developing skin cancer. So take a page out of their book. Let’s slip on a long-sleeve shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin - wherever you live.
Children and Sun Damage: It is estimated that up to 80% of all sun damage occurs before our 18th birthday. Lack of sun protection during childhood can have life-long effects. Suffering severe sunburns during childhood has been associated with increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Teach kids the "shadow rule." If their shadow is shorter than they are, ultraviolet rays are at their strongest and sunburn can result - usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Protect against maximum UV ray exposure by scheduling some mid-day activities in the shade or indoors.
Kids & Sunscreen: Since many children squirm at the though of wearing sunscreen, urge them to wear long sleeves and pants for sunburn protection. Many children welcome the new sunscreen products in spray form. Set a good example and they’ll do what you do - protect your skin everyday.
Sunscreen is not created for use on babies age 6 months and younger. Use protective clothing and avoid exposing infants to the sun.
Soothing Sunburn: At some point we all endure the discomfort of a sunburn. Relief can be found at home with a few simple steps.
Cool Down: Apply cool water to the burn with washcloths or rest in a cool bath to sooth burned areas and remove heat.
Reduce Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help decrease discomfort. Read the instructions for dosage for maximum relief.
No Sun: Stay out of the sun to allow your skin to heal.
Lubricate: Peeling is inevitable after a burn. Apply an itch relieving lotion for a comfortable healing process.