Could this be the summer you’ll have a little more time to enjoy the outdoors? We hope so! Whenever you’re out – even if the sun isn’t – remember to protect your skin with sunscreen. Did you know the sun can damage your skin even on cloudy days? Here are helpful FAQs to ensure you have the information you need.
Q: Who should wear sunscreen? A: EVERYONE should wear sunscreen, no matter your skin color, type, or age. It’s one of the easiest steps you can take to protect your health. Keep your sun screen handy and make wearing it a habit.
Q: What should I look for when purchasing sunscreen? A: Choose a sunscreen that has:
- Sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Also use a lip balm with SPF 30.
- Protection against UV-A rays (these rays penetrate the skin and cause aging) and UV-B rays (these absorb into the skin, cause burning and increase cancer risk) – so look for sunscreen that says broad spectrum or multi-spectrum.
Q: Does it matter if I use a lotion or a spray? A: As long as it’s the right kind and you use it as instructed, it’s your preference. Lotions and creams are best for dry skin and ensuring coverage to your face.
Gels are good if you have an oily complexion, and for hair-covered areas.
Sunscreen sticks may be easier for use around the eyes.
Some people like sprays since they seem faster and easier to apply to some areas. When using spray, it may be more difficult to know whether you’ve used enough to protect all exposed areas evenly. Avoid inhaling spray. Never spray it around or near the face or mouth.
Q: Does sunscreen need time to “soak in” to become effective? How much should I use? A: Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Don’t skimp! Cover all exposed skin. Adults typically need a generous ounce (picture a shot glass) per application. Reapply as directed on the bottle – usually about every 2 hours – and more often if you’re sweating or in and out of the water. And remember your ears, scalp, and the back of your neck.
Q: Sometimes I wear makeup or use other face products. Do I still need sunscreen on my face? A: Yes! Apply sunscreen before putting on makeup for best protection. And it’s important to know whether the other products you use make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Examples of skin care products that require extra care in the sun include retinols, vitamin C serums or lotions and some antibiotics.
Q: Why is it so important to avoid getting sunburned? A: In addition to being painful, sunburn increases your risk for skin cancer. Even a minor color change, it doesn’t have to be painful, is an indication that the sun has damaged your skin.
- Sun damage increases the incidence of basal cell cancers.
- Chronic exposure increases incidence of squamous cell cancer.
- If you had just 1 blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence or 5 or more sunburns at any age, your risk of melanoma is double.
- If you had 5 or more burns or 1 blistering sunburn between ages 15 and 20, your risk of melanoma increased by 80% and the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell cancers by 64%.
- Genetics play a part as well.
Q: Do windows block the sun’s harmful rays? A: Some of them. Windows don’t block all of the sun’s damaging rays. Glass blocks the burning UVB rays but only about 50% of UVA (aging) rays.
Q: I haven’t been consistent with using sunscreen and I’ve been fine. Why start now? A: Sun damage adds up over the years. It’s never too late to take steps to protect your skin. Using sunscreen decreases your chance of developing skin cancer. It also decreases the potential for a painful sunburn. As a side benefit, sunscreen also helps protect your skin from the sun’s aging affects (like age spots and wrinkles).
Q: Do you have skin care questions? A: Schedule an appointment today! We’ll help you find the right products for your skin!
Q: Interested in more information about Dermatology care? A: www.winonahealth.org/derm