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SUN CARE
Sun Safety Q&A
As you and your family spend more time outdoors, it's more important than ever to shield skin from damaging UV rays. Here's some expert skincare advice for keeping your skin happy and healthy in the sun.
Q. In addition to a high SPF, what should I be looking for in a sunscreen?
A. Look for broad spectrum protection. This means that the product blocks UVA and UVB rays. An important bonus is antioxidants because they can help prevent free radical damage to the skin. Antioxidants can come in the form of vitamins such as C and E, as well as soy.
Q. When are the best and worst times to be in the sun?
A. The sun is strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Between these hours, try to stay in the shade as much as you can and wear protective clothing.
Q. What's the difference between UVA and UVB?
A. UVA and UVB are the 2 main types of UV rays reaching us from the sun. UVA rays cause photodamage to the deeper layers of the skin. UVA rays can cause some skin cancers and are responsible for premature signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkling. UVB rays can cause sunburn, resulting in redness and blistering. UVB rays are also responsible for most skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Q. What does SPF mean?
A. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB rays from damaging the skin. Sunscreen increases the amount of time you are protected from sunburn. For example, if you would normally sunburn after 5 minutes, a properly applied SPF 30 sunscreen will protect you from getting sunburned 30 times longer, or about 150 minutes.
Q. When do I need to put on sunscreen?
A. Remember that every exposure to the sun is damaging to the skin. It's important to limit your sun exposure no matter what the season or time of day. Sun safety should be a priority all year round. Make it part of your daily skin care routine.
Q. How much sunscreen should I put on?
A. Make sure to apply your sunscreen liberally, including frequently missed areas such as your lips, ears, and hands. On average, an adult needs about 1 ounce of sunscreen for their entire body per application.
Q. At what age should my child start wearing sunscreen?
A. Pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants 6 months and older wear sunscreens with a minimum of SPF 15. They recommend all ages wear protective clothing and get limited sun exposure. Protecting your child's skin is crucial because infants and young children have thinner, more sensitive skin. Sun damage accumulates over a lifetime so teach your children the importance of sun safety early and give them a head start to a lifetime of healthy skin.
