Six sunscreen, sun damage facts to keep you safer this summer

We’ve all heard warnings about wearing sunscreen not just when you head to the beach or swimming pool but anytime you’re outdoors during the day, even if you bounce back between indoors and outdoors.

However, a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found just 12.3 percent of men and 29 percent of women over the age of 18 always used sunscreen when outside on a sunny day for more than an hour.

Up to 95 percent of malignant melanomas, cancerous spots on the skin, are caused by sun damage. They are usually found on the skin that’s most exposed to the sun – arms, back, face and legs. Skin cancer is considered one of the most preventable skin cancers.

Besides skin cancer, excessive sun exposure can lead to premature wrinkles and age spots

To encourage you to wear sunscreen more often, here are some interesting facts about how it protects you.

How do sunburns harm your skin?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin’s outermost layers. A sunburn and a tan are both the result of cellular damage to the skin. Peeling skin after a sunburn is your body’s way of ridding itself of damaged cells.

Excessive UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects or mutations, which can lead to skin cancer. Skin damage from the sun builds up over time, starting with your very first sunburn. The more you burn, the greater your risk of skin cancer.

How does sunscreen protect your skin?

Sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb UV rays before they can sink into the skin. Another formula contains physical blockers, such as zinc oxide, to reflect UV rays away from your skin like white paint reflects the sun.

Dermatologists recommend a sunscreen that combines both. These are referred to as “broad-spectrum” sunscreens with protection against UVA and UVB rays.

• UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin and can cause wrinkling and age spots. Think “A” for aging.
• UVB radiation causes sunburns. Think “B” for burn.

What SPF factor should I aim for?

SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” A sunscreen’s SPF number refers mainly to the amount of UVB protection it provides. No SPF can block 100 percent of UV rays, but the higher the number, the more protection it offers.

Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• SPF 30 allows about 3 percent of UVB rays to hit your skin.
• SPF 50 allows about 2 percent of those rays through.

The number technically refers to how long it will take for your skin to get red. So, an SPF 15 will prevent your skin from getting red for about 15 times longer than without sunscreen. You may burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen or 30 minutes. Everyone is different.

Remember to buy water-resistant sunscreen.

How much sunscreen do I need?

The rule of thumb is to apply two tablespoons of sunscreen 15 minutes before you go out into the sun.

Other tips:

• Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating
• Remember the top of your feet, neck, ears and the top of your head, if needed
• Protect your lips with an SPF 30 or higher lip balm

What about spray sunscreen?

Sprays are popular because of their ease of application, especially for parents trying to get sunscreen on squirmy kids.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, be sure to:

• Use enough sunscreen to cover all sun-exposed areas
• Spray until your or your child’s skin glistens and then rub the sunscreen in for more thorough coverage
• Avoid inhaling it and don’t use the spray near the face or mouth or spray it into the wind

Speaking of kids, pediatricians recommend not using sunscreen on babies until they are 6 months old. If your baby is younger than 6 months and must be outdoors, talk to your pedestrian about sunscreen recommendations.

Does sunscreen expire?

The Food and Drug Administration requires that all sunscreens retain their original strength for at least three years. If your sunscreen is expired, toss it. If you buy sunscreen that doesn’t contain a date, you can write the date you purchased it on the bottle.

A change in the color or consistency can indicate that the sunscreen is no longer good. Sunscreen breaks down faster if it’s kept in direct sunlight or a hot environment like a car.

For more sun and summer safety tips, check out our comprehensive summer safety guide. In need of care this summer? Sentara offers several convenient options so you can have a healthy, safe summer.