Sun Smart Habits
Overexposure to sunlight (including tanning) is the main cause of skin cancer especially when it results in sunburn and blistering. Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at particularly high risk for skin cancer.
To prevent skin cancer, the most effective method is sun avoidance.
- Seek shade between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when the ultraviolet rays are the most intense.
- Wear light-colored, tightly woven, protective clothing and a wide brimmed hat (3” brim)
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Protect Your Children
It is estimated that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18. Children under 6 months of age should not have prolonged sun exposure. Make wearing sunscreen and a hat a habit early and your children will benefit from a lifetime of healthier skin. Some additional ways to protect your children:
- Play in the shade
- Cover up with shirts and hats
- Use sunscreen SPF 15 or higher every day
- Sunglasses are cool
- Avoid tanning, including artificial tanning booths
Sunscreen: The Perfect Anti-aging Product
Sunscreens on the market today are more effective than ever at combating the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. They basically all work by blocking sun rays from penetrating the layers of your skin. But how you use the sunscreen is as important as the sunscreen itself. Narrowing your search for the perfect sunscreen and using it correctly is easy:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen - chemicals in the lotion block both UV-A and UV-B rays.
- SPF level - The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends use of SPF 15 or higher.
- Look for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as the first two ingredients in any sunscreen you choose.
- Apply early and often - Sunscreens take up to 30 minutes to absorb into the skin. Reapply every 2 hours as long as you are in the sun and after swimming or heavy perspiration – even if the sunscreen claims to be waterproof.
|
