skin will burn.
To check the UV index anywhere in the continental U.S., go to epa.gov/sunwise1/uvindex.html or check your newspaper or local weather report.
The sun transmits two types of damaging ultraviolet light: UVA rays, which penetrate deeply into the skin to cause premature aging, and UVB rays, which reach just below the skin’s surface and cause burning. Both types can cause skin cancer.
STOP SKIN CANCER BEFORE IT STARTS
UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are outside during these times, stay in the shade under a beach umbrella or wear a wide-brimmed hat .
- Choose a hat with a 2-3 inch brim all around. A hat with a brim that’s more than 4 inches wide can reduce head and neck exposure to ultraviolet light by 70%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The best ones shield your ears and neck better so bucket hats trump visors and baseball caps.
- Try on UPF clothing that is treated with a special coating to help absorb UVB and UVA rays. As with SFP, the higher the UPF (it ranges from 15-50), the more it protects. Regular clothing can shield you too, provided they’re made of tightly woven fabrics and come in darker colors. A dark-blue cotton t-shirt has a UPF of 10, white a white one ranks a 7. (As a test, hold the fabric near a lamp; the less light that shines through the better).
- Buy the right sunglasses. Opt for a pair that will block 99% of UV rays. Wider rays will best protect the delicate skin around your eyes, not to mention your eyes themselves (UV exposure may contribute to cataracts and vision loss later in life).
HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN
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Apply a tablespoon of sunscreen to your face, neck and chest. Use 2 tablespoons for your arms and about 3 tablespoon for your legs, for a total of 6 tablespoons. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on the tips of your ears, lips, the part of your hair and between your toes.
Apply sunscreen before your make-up.
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It takes about 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be properly absorbed by the skin—it won’t be effective until in sinks in. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you leave the house and reapply every hour if you’re doing anything more than moderate exercise—even if your sunscreen is waterproof and regardless of the SPF.
You should use half of an eight ounce bottle just on yourself for a day at the beach. Towel off first—water dilutes SPF.
KNOW THE LIMITS OF YOUR SUNSCREEN
How to read the sunscreen label
- SPF means Sun Protection Factor: the amount of time you can stay in the sun without burning (the higher the SPF number, the more protection offered).
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Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center recommends SPF 30 or higher for all our patients.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Rays: A form of visible light energy given off by the sun. There are three types: UVA and UVB, which are responsible for skin cancer and skin aging (such as wrinkles), and UVC, which don’t reach the earth because the atmosphere filters them out.
- Water-resistant/ waterproof/sweat-proof: These terms means a formula stays put longer during a swim or long run. Nothing will retain 100% of its effectiveness after you’ve gotten soaked, so be sure to reapply once you get out of the water.
- Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide: Made from natural minerals, these sunblocks are gentle, so they are the best choice for children and those with sensitive skin. They work by reflecting UV rays so they cannot penetrate your skin. Chemical sunscreens, in contrast, absorb UV rays before they damage your skin.
- Mexoryl SX: Most chemical sunscreens protect against UVB rays only, but Mexoryl, along with oxybenzone and avobenzone (also called Parasol 1789) filters UVA rays as well. These screens are popular because they melt into skin and feel lightweight.
- PABA: You’ll often see the term “Paba-free” on labels. This older chemical sunscreen is rarely used anymore because many people found it irritating to skin.
