Keeping Skin Safe in the Sun

With the arrival of summer many of us are spending more time outdoors in the warm sunshine. Are you protecting your skin from sun damage?

Here are some sun safety tips to keep in mind this summer as you hit the beach, park or even just step foot out the door. Make sure you protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun by following these health guidelines.

• Make sure your sunscreen protects you from UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays are the the rays of the sun that cause your skin to burn. UVA rays are the rays of the sun that cause cancer, discoloration and deep wrinkles. Only sunscreens with avobenzone (Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydiebnzoylmethane), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or Mexoryl SX (outside the US) listed in the active ingrediants provide this full sun protection.
• Wear sunscreen whenever you go outside. The most harmful rays, UVA can penetrate window glass or bounce up from pools and sidewalks to harm you even with a hat or umbrella shading you. This means you should be protecting your skin from the sun whenever you go outside – even just driving in your car, or lounging under an umbrella at the pool.
• Reapply sunscreen after sweating or getting in the water. The FDA no longer allows sunscreen companies to advertise their sunscreens as “waterproof” because ALL sun protection products break down after some time in the water or after heavy perspiration. “Water resistant” sunscreens are approved for sun protection after 30 minutes of swimming and “Very water resistant” sunscreens for sun protection after 60 minutes in the water. Regardless of which type of sunscreen you use be sure to reapply regularly for the best sun protection.
• Use self-tanning products to get “sun-kissed” color. There is no such thing as a safe tan! Any amount of sun exposure that changes the natural, base color of your skin has caused sun damage. Paula Begoun, renowned skin care author, says you should consider a tan like a “callus on your foot.” Only self-tanning (sometimes called "sunless") products give you a tan color without sun damage to the skin.
• Apply sunscreen liberally. Most sunscreen users only apply 50% the recommended amount according to a study done by the FDA. Not using enough sunscreen can seriously negate the sun protection factor (SPF) provided by the sunscreen and increase the likelihood of sun damage.
• Use non-irritating or non-greasy sunscreen ingredients for sensitive skin. Some people say “Well, sunscreen irritates my skin so I won't use any.” Others complain about greasy sunscreens that clog pores and cause breakouts. Both these issues can be solved by selecting proper sun protection for your skin type. Sunscreens with only titanium dioxide or zinc oxide in the active ingredients are less irritating to skin and a good choice for sensitive skin sun protection. Selecting a sunscreen that is not water resistant is good for oily or breakout prone skin because there are less acrylate-type ingrediants to clog pores.
• Wear a sunscreen every day. Even in winter months, or on cloudy days, more than 50% of harmful UVA rays reach your skin. If the sun rises, wear sunscreen.

Resources:

FDA Consumer, journal article June 1996 (edited online May 1999); "Seven Steps to Safer Sunning" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"The Complete Beauty Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Beauty" (2004) by Paula Begoun

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