Facts About Sunscreen, for All Year Round
(Continued From the Front Page)

With the arrival of Labor Day, many of us perceive the end of summer, and therefore the end of sunscreen. Even though we all know better than to abandon sunscreen when seasons change, the actual facts about and recommendations for sunscreen use may surprise you.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that “Substantially more than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year.” Many studies have found an association between sunburns and enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The AAD recommends that, regardless of skin type, a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should be used year-round. The sunscreen SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.

“Broad-spectrum” refers to protection against the two types of harmful sunlight: ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays (which, unlike UVB rays, pass through window glass) penetrate deeper into the dermis. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system, which interferes with the immune system's ability to protect you against the development and spread of skin cancer. UVA exposure also is known to lead to signs of premature aging of the skin such as wrinkling and age spots.

The UVB rays are the sun's burning rays (which are blocked by window glass) and are the primary cause of sunburn. A good way to remember it is that UVA rays are the aging rays and UVB rays are the burning rays. Excessive exposure to both forms of UV rays can lead to the development of skin cancer. The United States Department of Health & Human Services has declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

Sunscreen should be applied every day to exposed skin, not just if you are going to be in the sun. While UVB rays cannot penetrate glass windows, UVA rays can, leaving you prone to these damaging effects if unprotected. For days when you are going to be indoors, apply sunscreen on the areas not covered by clothing, such as the face and hands. Sunscreens can be applied under makeup, or alternatively, there are many cosmetic products available that contain sunscreens for daily use because sun protection is the principal means of preventing premature aging and skin cancer. It's never too late to protect yourself from the sun and minimize your future risk of skin cancer.

Don't reserve the use of sunscreen only for sunny days. Even on a cloudy day, up to 80 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. In addition, sand reflects 25 percent of the sun's rays and snow reflects 80 percent of the sun's rays.

Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Coat the skin liberally and rub it in thoroughly. Most people apply only 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen.

Sunscreens should be re-applied at least every two hours or after swimming or perspiring heavily. Even so-called "water-resistant" sunscreens may lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water. Sunscreens rub off as well as wash off, so if you've towel-dried, reapply sunscreen for continued protection. Note that it’s okay to use last year’s sunscreen. Check the expiration date first, but note that the FDA requires all sunscreens to be stable and at their original strength for three years.

Above all, remember there is no safe way to tan. A tan is the skin's response to injury caused by UV exposure. In spite of claims that tanning beds offer "safe" tanning, indoor tanning equipment, which includes all artificial light sources such as beds, lamps, bulbs, booths, etc., emits UVA and UVB radiation. The amount of the radiation produced during indoor tanning is similar to the sun and in some cases may be stronger.

If you do get sunburned, drink water or sports drinks to replace body fluids. Take acetaminophen if you have a headache, slight fever or chills. Take a cool bath in tepid water to soothe and cool the skin. Many doctors recommend a home remedy for soothing the skin by using a washcloth soaked in cold skim milk. The coolness takes out the initial fire, and the milk creates a protein film that helps ease the ensuing discomfort. Gently apply a light moisturizer to the skin. Avoid the use of "-caine" products (such as benzocaine), which may react with your sensitive and damaged skin with their broad range of chemicals. If your skin begins to peel afterwards, do not cover up the peeling section with a self- tanning lotion. This will only stick to the peeling skin and make it look worse. And finally, stay out of the sun until the burn fades.

Skin Cancer Foundation, http://www.skincancer.org/worst-case-scenario-treating-sunburn.html

American Academy of Dermatology, http://www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_sunscreen.htm

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