Be Sun Smart

 Be Sun Smart

About this activity

Did you know that even in winter your skin can get damaged from the sun? Protecting your skin against harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays will help your skin look younger as you age, but more seriously, sun protection can help prevent the most common type of cancer, skin cancer. Whether you're planning to spend time in the sun, or if you simply get daily sun exposure through your car windows, it's important to apply sunscreen on a regular basis. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen at least 4 times per week.

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The most obvious damage from the sun is when you get a red, stinging sunburn. But sun damage can contribute to less obvious skin issues like a tan (yes, a tan is an indication of sun damage); wrinkles; a dry, leathery appearance; pigmentation and dark spots on the skin. Skin cancer is, of course, the most frightening result of too much UV exposure, and the American Cancer Society reports that skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in the United States. You can keep your skin healthy if you remember to apply sunblock to the areas of your skin that receive a nearly daily exposure (like your face, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands). Try getting into the habit of applying sunscreen every day before you head out the door.

Selecting and Applying Sunscreen

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following advice when choosing a sunscreen:

  • Find a sunscreen that blocks both ultraviolet A (UVA or aging rays) and ultraviolet B (UVB or burning rays). This is called a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen and is designed to block the two types of rays that cause damage or cancer to the skin.
  • Choose sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, which blocks 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays. A higher number does not allow you to stay out in the sun longer without reapplying; always reapply every 2 hours no matter the SPF number. No sunscreen blocks 100 percent of the sun's rays.
  • Sunscreen comes in many forms, like creams, lotions and gels. You may need a different type for different areas of your body.
  • There are two different types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb the UV radiation. The chemicals in these sunscreens can have side effects for some people with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens have ingredients that reflect and scatter the UV rays, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and tend to have fewer reactions to the skin. Recent advancements have enabled these normally bright, white creams to become nearly invisible on the skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following when applying a sunscreen:

  • Before applying to skin, check the expiration date, and read the instructions
  • Sunscreen should be applied every day you plan to be outside in the sun, even in winter months or on cloudy days
  • Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Don't forget face, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands.
  • Apply the sunscreen to dry skin 15-20 minutes before you go outside
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and reapply after swimming or drying yourself off with a towel
  • Use a layered approach to UV protection by wearing sun-protective clothing, like a hat and long-sleeved shirts, in addition to sunscreen
  • Seek shade when you're outside for long periods of time

Did you know?

People of all skin colors and tones experience skin damage from the sun's UV rays.

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