Playing it Safe in the Sun
Guidelines for Good Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from sun damage. It helps prevent sunburn and early signs of aging, and it reduces the risk of getting skin cancer. When shopping for a good sunscreen, look for:
- Broad spectrum protection. All sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but those sunscreens only protect against sunburn, not premature aging or skin cancer. “Broad spectrum” sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, offering the best protection.
- SPF factor. Look for higher sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreens, which offer a higher degree of protection against UV rays. SPF 30 sunscreens filter out approximately 97 percent of UVB rays, whereas SPF 300 protects against 99 percent.
- Water resistant. While no sunscreen is waterproof, water resistant sunscreens last anywhere from 40 to 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you are in the water or playing sports.
- Sun Safety for Babies and Kids. For babies under 6 months of age, avoid direct sunlight. Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use brimmed hats. Sunscreen in small amounts is okay if there is no way to avoid the sun. Mineral sun blockers that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are preferred for young children’s sensitive skin. Read more here.
Be sure to apply sunscreen to every area of your skin that is exposed to the sun. While the neck, face, arms and legs are most commonly sunburned, many people forget about their feet, lips and ears, which also are vulnerable to sunburn.
The Best “Medicine” Is Prevention
In addition to wearing sunscreen, there are other ways to stay “sun safe” and protect your skin from sun damage, including:
Protective clothing: When you’re out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and as much clothing as you comfortably can to protect as much skin as possible. Consider clothing with integrated UV protection during prolonged sun exposure.
Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses should be used to protect your eyes from sun damage. Look for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
Spend time in the shade: Limit direct exposure to the sun, particularly between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, when UV rays are the strongest.
Skin checks: Get to know your skin so you can be aware of any changes. Look for new moles, bumps, scaly spots or patches of discoloration. Talk to your doctor if you notice any sudden changes.
Sunburns can happen year-round: Many people assume that wintertime means they don’t need to wear sunscreen, particularly in colder climates. But sunburns can occur even while engaging in winter sports like skiing, so wear sunscreen year round, no matter where you live.
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