Welcome to the Sunshine State! Summer is a great time to take advantage of Florida’s many beautiful waterways and outdoor activities. While you prepare for the lazy days of summer, keep your family safe and sunburn free with sunscreen!
We’ve heard it a million times — wear your sunscreen — but what kind should we be wearing? Why is it important? When do we need it?
What causes premature aging, sunburns and skin cancer?
The biggest risk for skin cancer is from ultraviolet light (ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B) that comes from sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays can damage skin cells, causing premature aging as well as skin cancer. Dermatologist Dr. Klint Peebles reports for the American Medical Association that “Ultraviolet A is really what I like to call the ‘aging ray.’ These are the rays that prematurely age the skin. They’re going to cause wrinkling, fine lines and age spots. On the other hand, ultraviolet B or UVB, would be what I call the burning ray, and these would be the primary cause of sunburn.”
Since it’s virtually impossible to avoid all UV light, sunscreen can help keep skin safe and healthy.
What are the different types of sunscreens?
There are two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. Physical (or mineral) are those that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They work as a physical barrier to the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreens are the more broadly used lotions and sprays. They must be rubbed into the skin and absorbed. Additionally, they may be irritating for those with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens are effective immediately while chemical types need approximately 15-30 minutes to be effective.
If you use spray or foam sunscreen (sometimes the easiest with squirmy toddlers!), make sure you rub it into the skin as you would a lotion. This type of chemical sunscreen must also be absorbed to be effective. Ultimately, the most effective sunscreen is the one you actually use!
What is SPF?
The SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measurement of how much of the UVB rays can be filtered out by the sunscreen, Dr. Peebles explains that “an SPF of 15 is going to filter out 93% of the sun’s UVB rays. An SPF of 30 is going to filter out about 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.”
Since we know that both UVA and UVB rays are damaging to skin, choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” for ultimate protection.
When should I apply sunscreen?
Dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang at Cleveland Clinic recommends applying sunscreen daily as part of the morning routine. Even when you’re not intentionally planning a pool day, you are still getting sun exposure when you walk to and from the car, to the mailbox, waiting on the bus or chatting with another parent at camp pick-up.
There are many daily moisturizers that contain sunscreen, making it a great compound self-care product. Use a facial moisturizer plus sunscreen on your face, ears, neck and decolletage (for those whose skin is exposed in shirts below the collarbone). There are also daily body moisturizers that contain sunscreen that can be applied to all exposed skin each morning as you’re getting dressed for the day.
Experts also recommend using daily sunscreen even if you are primarily indoors. Some ultraviolet rays (primarily UVA) can still penetrate through windows (and car windows) and fluorescent lighting in some office buildings can also emit some ultraviolet light, according to Dr. Piliang.
What about cloudy days?
Even when it’s cloudy, approximately 80% of the ultraviolet rays will pass through the clouds. While you may think you’re protected from the sun on a cloudy day, the reality is that there is still significant sun exposure, making it important to wear sunscreen daily.
If you’re going to be out in the sun, use a physical or chemical kind with SPF of 30 or higher and reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after sweating or getting in the water. Some sunscreens
are labeled as “sport” or “water resistant” meaning they have a little longer protection under wet circumstances. However, no sunscreen is waterproof, so it must be reapplied after water exposure.
Did you know?
- Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and worldwide.
- Having five or more sunburns doubles the risk for melanoma.
- More than two people in the U.S. die of skin cancer every hour.
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
Create healthy sunscreen habits with your family now! Make it the norm to wear a daily sunscreen and to be diligent about heavy duty sunscreen application when you’re outside for prolonged periods of time. You will be helping your family reduce their risk of sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging.
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