Sunscreen - A Remedial Class (Summer 09 Issue)

“Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’97 … wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.”

Remember that quote? From Mary Schmid of the Chicago Tribune, turned urban legend, turned pop song? Over a decade later, she’s still right. By now we are all aware of the damage that sun can do to our skin, but just in case:

Sunscreen 101: a remedial class:

· Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on the label can range from 2 to as high as 50, and refers to the product's ability to screen the harmful rays of the sun. If you use a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you can be in the sun 15 times longer before burning.

· Sunscreen photo degrades (breaks down) and rubs off with normal wear. It needs to be reapplied at least every two hours.

· Dermatologists generally recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater year-round for all skin types.

· Choose a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA radiation which are two types of harmful rays:

o UVA (which can pass through window glass) can cause suppression of the immune system interfering with your ability to protect yourself against the development and spread of skin cancer, as well as age spots and wrinkling.
o UVB (which are blocked by window glass) are the primary causes of sunburn.
o *Memory trick: UVA = Aging UVB = Burning.

· Choose a sunscreen that is "waterproof" or "water-resistant," if you expect to be sweating or swimming.

· Don’t let the clouds fool you. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through the clouds.

o Sand reflects 25% of the sun’s rays.
o Snow reflects 80%.

· Apply sunscreen liberally, 15-30 minutes before going outdoors.

· Reapply! Reapply! Reapply!

Every time you tan, you damage your skin. The damage accumulates over time, and in addition to accelerating the aging process, also increases your risk for all types of skin cancer.
There is no safe way to tan. Listen to Mary. Wear sunscreen.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology