The temps are heating up, a sure sign summer has arrived in the Tri-State, which means you are likely to be spending time outdoors. It also means you’ve got to be careful.
Why use sunscreen?
- 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
- 90 percent of visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.
There are different levels of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. At minimum, adults should use SPF 30. Don’t forget:
- Apply sunscreen (product recommended amount) to uncovered skin 30 minutes before going outside. A minimum of one ounce is needed to cover the average body (all skin areas that are not clothed).
- Reapply every two hours after swimming or sweating.
- It is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters both UVB and UVA radiation; it should contain zinc oxide. Makeup that has sunscreen in it is not adequate for this purpose.
There are two types of radiation:
- UVA Rays: Penetrates 40 times deeper than UVB and is constant most of the day.
- UVB Rays: Short rays absorbed by the epidermis (top layer of skin); it causes sunburns and is most intense between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
By using the right amount of sunscreen, you can protect your skin – and your family’s skin – from danger.
