Tips for Sunscreens and Minimizing Sun Exposure
How to Pick a Sunscreen Based on SPF and Ingredients
May 8, 2009
Summer is approaching quickly and thoughts of beaches, swimming, playing outdoors, and gardening are becoming more prevalent. Planning vacations and long weekends are the major topics now; sun exposure also needs to become a topic discussed in all households. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is on the rise. The risk of developing any skin cancer is related to the amount of sun exposure a person receives over a lifetime and the number of sunburns a person may get over their lifetime. Sun exposure needs to be reduced and eliminated if possible. Here are some tips for sunscreens and sun exposure.
What should be considered when purchasing a sunscreen?
The first thing to consider is active ingredients. The best sunscreens contain physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because they are broad spectrum and block both the UVA and UVB rays and they reflect sun’s rays away from the skin. UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer whereas UVA rays cause aging and cancer. The chemical blockers like oxybenzone which prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin by absorbing them are considered not as good as the physical blockers due to the risks of hormonal imbalance these products may cause.
Children and sun exposure
Children should always use physical blockers. Remember your child is getting most of their lifetime exposure during their childhood years up to age 18. Parents can have a significant impact on the risks your child will have in developing skin cancer by being diligent and making children wear sunscreen and reapply every 3 to 4 hours – more often if the child is getting wet. Babies ages 6 months and younger should avoid sun exposure. If a sunscreen is needed, use an SPF of 30 and minimize application to only exposed areas.
What SPF should I get?
Pick a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30, but remember this only refers the amount of UVB rays that are blocked, not the UVA rays. An SPF of 30 will block out 96% of the UVB rays, whereas an SPF of 15 will block out only 93%. In contrast, an SPF of 40 or 50 may only block another 1% or so, but are more expensive and have more active ingredients. There is no more bang for your buck in going past 30. Even people very sensitive to the sun can use an SPF of 30.
Other ways to minimize sun exposure
Clothing can have some impact. Be sure to wear loose fitted clothing with a tight weave. To determine weave, hold the fabric up to the light and see how much shines through the fabric. Wear large brimmed hats of 4 inches or more and always wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect the eyes. Try to stay indoors during the heat of the day – between 10am and 4pm. Keep babies ages 6 months or younger indoors. Don’t use sunscreens containing bug repellant. Use each one separately, applying sunscreen first and often.
Wrapping it up
1. Use SPF of at least 30 – apply early and often – at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure
2. Use a physical blocker like zinc oxide
3. Wear tightly woven clothing, a hat, and sunglasses
4. Stay indoors during the heat of the day
Make it the best summer ever and minimize your exposure to the sun by following these simple 4 points. Happy surfing!
