With the arrival of summer, more people will be spending time outdoors, enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. According to the American Cancer Society, over one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. Many studies have shown an association between sun exposure and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Sunscreen can Help Prevent Sunburn and Skin Cancer
It is especially important to protect the skin from the sun's potentially harmful rays during the summer months. The use of an effective sunscreen can help block the sun's harmful rays, and should be applied prior to any exposure to the sun. Most sunscreens work by creating a layer of sun-blocking ingredients on top of the skin that absorb the sun’s UV rays before they can penetrate the skin.
How to Choose a Sunscreen - SPF Facts
With the huge array of sunscreens on the market, it can be daunting to the consumer as to which product to choose. The most significant factor of any sunscreen is its SPF rating.
All sunscreens have an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating, which indicates the degree of protection offered by the sunscreen. SPF numbers can range from 2 to 100, referring to the sunscreen's ability to block out the harmful rays of the sun and prevent sunburn.
The higher the SPF of the sunscreen, the more sunburn protection the product will provide. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher, year-round.
How to Use Sunscreen
- Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin approximately 20 minutes prior to sun exposure, to allow the active ingredients to penetrate the skin
- A generous amount of sunscreen should be used for optimum protection; approximately one ounce (5 - 6 teaspoons) to cover the entire body
- Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas of skin
- Lips are sensitive to the sun's rays as well, and use of an SPF 15 lip balm is recommended
- The sunscreen should offer both UVA and UVB protection, which is usually labeled "broad-spectrum"
- Water-resistant sunscreen is recommended if skin will be exposed to water through swimming or sweating
- A bio-degradable sunscreen may be considered if swimming in the ocean to protect coral and other marine life
- Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day, especially if it is washed off from swimming
- People with light-colored eyes or skin should choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF
- An oil-free sunscreen is a good choice for facial skin prone to breaking out
It is important to remember that the majority of skin cancer cases are preventable. Sunscreen use can significantly help to protect the skin against skin cancer and prevent painful sunburn.
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