Use Sunscreen
Use sunscreen and lipbalm with SPF even on cool or cloudy days. About 70 to 80 percent of the sun’s damaging rays can penetrate through cloudy haze and water.
Sunscreens work in two ways. The chemicals in most sunscreens absorb ultraviolet radiation before it can damage the skin. Some sunscreens block ultraviolet rays by scattering or reflecting them away from the skin.
Sunscreens provide protection for a limited amount of time. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the sunscreen’s ability to block out the sun’s rays for a period of time. A sunscreen with a SPF of 30 will allow you to stay in the sun 30 times longer than the amount of time it normally takes for your unprotected skin to redden or burn. For instance, if your unprotected skin burns in ten minutes, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (that is applied correctly) will provide protection from burning for a total of 300 minutes (SPF 30 x 10 minutes). A higher SPF will provide even longer protection.
Choose broad spectrum sunscreens. All sunscreens block UVB, but broad spectrum sunscreens block UVB and UVA. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun to allow time for the chemicals to be absorbed into the skin. Use waterproof sunscreens that will not be washed off through perspiration, and to be sure you’re protected, reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
Finally, recent studies suggest that insect repellents containing DEET (the active ingredient in most insect repellents) may degrade the SPF of sunscreens. If you need to use an insect repellent, consider wearing protective clothing and a hat to maximize your sun protection. If you do use both, apply the sunscreen first to allow it to bond with the skin and then apply the insect repellent over it.
For sunscreen use:
- Buy a sunscreen that is easy to fit into your daily routine. So, if your children prefer the spray on sunscreen to the lotions, buy the spray on. Just make sure it is broad spectrum with an SPF of at least 15.
- Be a role model for your family by wearing sunscreen everyday.
- Send your children to school with sunscreen and talk with their care takers and school teachers about regularly reapplying their sunscreen throughout the day.
Remember:
While sunscreen is a valuable sun protection measure when used correctly, no sunscreen lasts all day or blocks all of the sun's harmful rays. Ideally, sunscreen should be used in addition to wearing protective clothing. It should be used to protect against normal sun exposure, not prolong it.
