Causes of sun damage:
- Sunbathing
- Tanning Beds
- Outdoor Activities (boating, golfing, yard work, baseball games)
Ways to protect yourself from the sun:
- Hats (preferably wide brim)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Umbrellas
- Awnings
- Canopies
- Window film
- Avoid the sun between 10 am and 3 pm
- Check UV index
Sunscreen:
- Protects skin from premature aging
- Should contain:
-
- Zinc oxide (micronized zinc)
- Titanium dioxide
- Parasol 1789 (avobenzone)
Sunscreen application:
- SPF 30+ is best
- Use sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays
- Apply at least 20 minutes before being exposed to the sun
- Reapply every 2 hours
- Use every day
SPF (sun protection factor) is determined by how well the sunscreen blocks UVB rays. SPF 15 means the sunscreen will protect you from 14/15 ( 93%) of UVB rays. SPF 30 will protect you from 29/30 (97%)of UVB rays. Theoretically, if you are susceptible to burning by staying in the sun for 10 mins, SPF 15 should give you protection for 150 minutes. However, sunscreen should still be reapplied at least every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
SPF calculator based on skin type from Loreal
Best/Worst Sunscreens Comparison
Sun protective clothing:
- UPF 30+ blocks 97% of UV rays
Sun Protective Clothing companies:
http://www.coolibar.com/introduction.html
http://www.sunprecautions.com/home.asp
Sunglasses:
- Prevents cataracts, macular degeneration, and melanoma of the eye
- Should only buy sunglasses that block 99.5% of UVA and UVB rays
- Color or tint does not matter
- Wrap around sunglasses are best
Sunless Tanners
- Mystic Tan - found in tanning salons, creates a natural looking tan that lasts about a week. Expensive.
- Neutrogena Instant Bronze – contains an instant bronzer to see where the cream has been applied to reduce streaking
- Clinique Self Tanning Body Mist – minimizes orange palms with a spray tan
- Jergens Natural Glow - moisturizes while creating a gradual tan with continued use and reduces the chances of streaking.
There are many other sunless tanners on the market; these are just a few affordable recommendations which offer good results.
Tanning Beds
- Emit harmful UV radiation
- Not a safe way to get a tan
- 2.5 times more likely to get squamous cell cancer if visit the tanning bed more than once per month
- 1.5 times more likely to get basal cell cancer if visit the tanning bed more than once per month
- Alternative: spray tan (Mystic Tanning), or other sunless tanners
For more information about the risks of skin cancer and tanning (indoors and outdoors) please visit: http://www.skincancer.org/
Sun Protection Links:
SunProtection.net
Sun Safety Quiz
Call (252) 328-6841 to learn more about Sun Safety and Prevention.
