What you should know about protecting your skin
How does sunlight damage the skin?
The damaging effects of sunlight on the skin are caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. There are two types of ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB, which both cause DNA mutations in skin cells and suppress the skin's immune system, leading to premature aging and often to skin cancer.
UVB light is responsible for sunburns, and its damaging effects can be easily recognized. UVA light, which only tans the skin, can be equally damaging. UVA travels through glass and is used in tanning beds. Any color that you get from the sun is a sign that the sun has damaged your skin. Therefore, burning and tanning are each damaging in their own right.
Which sunscreens offer more protection?
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number indicates protection against UVB light only. Sunscreens with larger SPF offer greater protection, while sunscreens with SPF lower than 15 will not provide significant protection and are practically useless. Unfortunately, the SPF number does not indicate protection against UVA light. In fact, most sunscreens that advertise UVA/UVB coverage do not offer adequate UVA protection.
There are only three sunscreen ingredients that provide adequate protection against UVA: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, and Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone). Look for one of these three in the active ingredient list on the back of the bottle when you buy sunscreen.
Which sunscreens are better for sensitive skin?
For people with acne, certain sunscreens containing Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone), including Sea and Ski spray, are less greasy and less likely to clog pores. People with allergic or dry skin prone to rashes should try pure Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide sunblocks. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are finely crushed minerals that reflect the suns rays without the irritation or allergic reactions caused by other sunscreen chemicals. Skin Ceuticals Sun Defense contains only pure Zinc Oxide, while Neutrogena Sensitive Skin UVA/UUB Block SPF 30 contains only pure Titanium Dioxide. Elta Facial Moisturizer Kith Sunscreen is also good for dry skin.
How should sunscreen be applied?
Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen should be applied in a thick layer to achieve the protection advertised on the bottle. Use approximately 1 ounce for your entire body, so that the average 4 ounce bottle should last only four total body applications. Remember to protect all your exposed skin and do not forget to protect your lips with a sunscreen stick. Zinc Oxide and Titanium
Dioxide containing sunscreens work immediately. However, other sunscreens must be applied at least 30 minutes before exposing yourself. Reapply all sunscreens every two hours under normal conditions.
How long does sunscreen last in water?
Before you go in the water, make sure you wait for the sunscreen to dry on your skin. Unless you wait at least 30 minutes after applying the sunscreen, it will be immediately washed off by water. After heavy perspiration or water contact, sunscreens must be reapplied more frequently. "Waterproof” and "very water resistant" sunscreens last only 80 minutes in water, while "water resistant" sunscreens last only 40 minutes.
Does sunscreen really prevent skin aging and skin cancer?
Unfortunately, sunscreens do not fully protect against skin aging and skin cancer. However, they go a long way towards reducing the risks. Because sunscreens are not fully protective, you should exercise caution in the sun, even when wearing sunscreen. Don't overexpose yourself.
Try to avoid activities outside between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. If you are outdoors, wear a hat to shade your face from the sun above, but realize that sunlight is reflected off sand, snow and water and can reach your face from below.
Source: Newton-Wellesley Dermatology Associates, P.C.
