A Sun Protection Plan to Keep UV Rays at Bay!
Summertime means more fun in the sun and longer stretches of enjoying the outdoors. A sun protection plan can help minimize the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun’s rays (or tanning beds) that can cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US, with more than 5 million cases diagnosed each year.
Sun damage and cancer risk are cumulative over time. Sunburns increase your risk of cancer, and the more sunburns you have, the higher your risk. Sun damage can also cause premature aging and wrinkles.
The sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds, water, and windows, and no single method will provide 100% protection. The most effective methods to protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays include limiting sun exposure, using sunscreen, and covering exposed skin.
Limit excessive sun exposure. Become a shade seeker and limit direct sun exposure, especially during peak sun hours between 10 am and 4 pm when UV rays are the strongest. UV rays are present whenever the sun is up, and wearing sunscreen daily on any routinely exposed skin (such as your face and hands) is recommended year-round.
Use sunscreen daily and reapply often. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers both UVA and UVB rays and has a minimum of 30 SPF (Sun Protection Factor). You may need 50 SPF or higher if you are in direct sunlight for long stretches or have fair skin.
The most critical factor is to reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after active sweating, swimming, or towel drying. Reapplying is also important for long car rides, gardening, working by a window, and other activities that expose the skin to direct sunlight.
Adults and older children need one ounce or two tablespoons of sunscreen for the entire body, and ¼-½ teaspoon (about a nickel size) for the face and neck. Make sure to shake your sunscreen before applying. This helps combine the active ingredients so they can work more effectively.
Start applying sunscreen to babies after they are six months old. Keep young babies in the shade and covered with sunglasses, wide-brim hats, and protective clothing. Use mineral sunscreens with 50 SPF after six months, and test a small area for any allergic reactions before applying all over. Avoid applying sunscreen around the eyes for babies and small children.
Sunscreens generally last two to three years when stored in a cool, dry place. If sunscreen is often left in the heat, like in a hot car, or routinely exposed to direct sunlight, the active ingredients degrade more quickly, and it’s best to dispose of it. If you notice a change in smell, color, or consistency, throw it out.
Lotions and creams are easy to use and provide the most consistent coverage. Sprays are convenient for babies and kids, for bald or thinning hair, and for hard-to-reach areas. Spray until it glistens, rub in for thorough coverage, and avoid spraying it on the face. Stick sunscreen can provide precise application to the face, tops of ears, nose, and lips. Gel sunscreens are often lighter and less greasy, making them ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Powders are perfect over makeup, but not recommended as the first layer of protection.
Decide what types of sunscreens work best for you and your family. There are two types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens, also called physical sunscreens, use zinc oxide and titanium oxide that stay on top of the skin and act like a mirror to deflect the sun’s rays from penetrating into the skin. They work immediately, are thicker, may take longer to apply, and some products may give a white cast on the skin. These types of sunscreens are recommended for children, those with sensitive skin, or those prone to acne.
Chemical sunscreens use ingredients, like avobenzone or oxybenzone, to absorb UV rays like a sponge, converting them into heat for release from the skin. Chemical sunscreens apply more smoothly, often offer better water resistance, and are a good option for swimming or outdoor activities. They do have a higher risk of irritation or an allergic reaction, since they are absorbed into the skin. It is important to apply chemical sunscreen 15-30 minutes before getting out in the sun to establish the skin barrier.
Protect and cover your skin, head, and eyes
Regular clothing fabrics that provide protection are tightly woven and dark in color. If you can see light through the fabric, UV rays can penetrate the skin. Also, dry clothes provide more sun coverage than wet ones.
Specially designed sun-protective clothing and hats add another layer of protection by absorbing UV rays through synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and Lycra. They may also be treated with UV-blocking chemicals or dyes.
Sun protective clothing and hats are designated with a UPF, or Ultraviolet Protective Factor, between 15 and 100. The Skin Cancer Foundation rates UPF 15-29 as good, 30-49 as very good, and UPF 50 and above as excellent coverage.
Look for hats and clothing with 50+ UPF for the strongest coverage. Choose a hat with a two to three-inch brim to cover your ears, face, and neck.
Sun protective clothing is typically lightweight, comfortable, and provides some sun protection even when wet. Depending on the fabric quality, UPF clothing lasts one to two years and can be washed 30-50 times before the protection degrades. Tips to preserve UPF fabrics include rinsing them immediately after exposure to salt water and chlorine, using a gentle wash cycle without adding bleach or fabric softeners, and air drying in a shaded place.
Sunglasses can protect your eyes from sun damage year-round. The sun’s UV rays can damage the cornea and lens of the eyes, and increase the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Look for 100% UV protection or UV400 on the label. The larger the frame, the more surface area it protects.
In addition to sun protection, monthly head-to-toe skin checks are recommended to look for new or changing moles or patches. For specific instructions, visit skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/.
See a dermatologist if you have any concerns about your skin, and schedule an annual skin cancer screening starting in your 20s. You may need to be seen earlier if you have a family history of skin cancer, are fair-skinned, or have many moles. The good news is that most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early.
Protecting your skin reduces your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Having a skin protection plan is essential, not only in the summer, but year-round!
