Sunscreens

Sun Facts

• Anyone can sunburn, even in the winter or on cloudy days!
• Research has shown a link between blistering sunburns and an increased risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
• The risk of developing a melanoma doubles every 10 years!
• Protecting the skin as a child and teenager can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging as an adult.
• It is estimated that 80% of your lifetime sun exposure is acquired by the age of 18.
• Up to 85% of harmful ultraviolet rays reflect off water and light colored surfaces such as snow, sand and concrete.
• The most common location for skin cancers are the nose and ears…..so don't forget to lather up those things that stick out!
• Tanning devices, such as tanning beds, can damage the skin and eyes as much as direct sunlight and have been linked to increased risk of developing melanoma.

Sun protection Tips

• Avoid sunlight during the peak intensity hours of 10am-4pm.
• Use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, or when you will be inside a car or office with windows.
• Wear a broad rimmed hat and sunglasses. Consider wearing sun protective clothing. Sporty clothes made of SPF 30 fabric can be purchased (ie: Sun Precautions 1-800-882-7860). These clothes offer excellent sun protection and it is not necessary to apply sunscreen under them. (A great gift idea for golfers!).
• Use a lip sunscreen and a stick sunscreen around the eyes. These types of sunscreens are in a waxy base and adhere well to the skin despite sweating and are unlikely to migrate into the eyes.
• Reapply sunscreen after sweating or swimming. Water-resistant sunscreens protect skin for 40 minutes of water exposure. Waterproof sunscreens protect for 80 minutes.
• It is never too late to begin the use of sunscreen and other protective measures. Sunscreen should not be used on babies less than 6 months old. Keep babies out of direct sunlight.
• Use plenty of sunscreen! The average adult needs one ounce (a shot glass) to adequately cover their body.
• Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes BEFORE going in the sun.
• Sprays, gels and lotion forms of sunscreen are now available. Find the one you like best….and buy 3 bottles(home, car, bag).

About Sunscreens

• The colors we see are visible light waves, varying in length for different colors. Longer waves are sound waves. Slightly shorter waves are "ultraviolet" waves. These are the spectrum of waves emitted from the sun, which are constantly bombarding our skin. We are screened from the shortest waves, UVC, by the earth's atmosphere. The middle range of ultraviolet waves are called UVB. These penetrate only the top layers of skin and lead to sunburns! (B=burn) Sunburns damage the DNA, or genetic make up, of the cells. With repeated damage, a cancer can be formed. In this way, the sun exposure we get in early life affects us forever! UVB rays cause the most damage during mid-day sun and summer months. The longest of the ultraviolet waves is UVA. UVA rays maintain their potency all year round, all day long and in any weather. UVA rays are not filtered out by window glass (like UVB). This penetrates the skin most deeply, and can result in premature skin wrinkling, aged skin, loss of elasticity, and blotchiness. UVA is what is released by most tanning booth lights.
• Chemical sunscreens: work by absorbing ultraviolet rays, allowing some to pass through and penetrate the skin. Most chemicals that make up sunscreens are targeted to shield the skin from specific wavelengths: UVA or UVB. Try to use a sunscreen that has chemicals blocking BOTH UVA and UVB.
• Physical sunscreen: work by deflecting, blocking, and scattering UVA and UVB rays, preventing the rays form penetrating and damaging the skin. Examples are: Titanium dioxide Zinc oxide
• The American Pediatric Association does not recommend the use of chemical sunscreens in children less than six months old. This is because the skin of young children more readily absorbs creams, and the chemicals in them. Sun avoidance and clothing are the best protection for this and all age groups.

Read the Labels

UVA Blockers

• PABA (this agent causes the most chemical sensitivity to sunscreens)
• Aminobenzoates
• Cinnamates
• Salicylates

UVB Blockers

• Benzophenones
• Oxybenzone
• Methyl Anthranilate
• Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) (Butylmethoxydibenzoyl methane) This has the widest spectrum of coverage, but the chemical "breaks down" in 2-4 hours…..and therefore needs to be reapplied.