Facts About Sunscreens
By Roxanne Poon, RN, BS, CPHQ
While sun in limited amounts can be a good source of vitamin D, skin protection should be year-round. Ultra-violet rays can cause permanent and irreversible damage to your skin and eyes, such as premature aging (wrinkling and age spots) and cancer. One in five students who responded to a Student Health 101 survey admitted to using sunscreens only during the summer.
According to the American Melanoma Foundation, sunscreens:
Should be used daily,
especially if you will be in the sun more than 20 minutes.
Should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors
paying particular attention to your face, ears, hands, and arms.
Should be reapplied
after swimming or perspiring heavily.
Don’t forget the lips
apply lip balm that contains sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
Be sure your sunscreen is broad spectrum and blocks both UVA and UVB rays and includes 5% or more of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
As part of an ongoing effort to reduce confusion over choosing sunscreens and to assure that sunscreens meet safety standards, the FDA has made significant changes to sunscreen product labeling requirements in order to help you determine how to choose the right sunscreen and use it more effectively. To find out more, CLICK HERE.
ROXANNE M. POON IS A REGISTERED NURSE WHO WORKS AS A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST AT A MAJOR TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NEW JERSEY.
Find Out MoreThe Melanoma Foundation Learn more about how sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Did You Know
The sun’s reflective powers are great—17% on sand and 80% on snow. Even on a cloudy day, 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds. Skiers beware: Ultraviolet radiation increases 4% for every 1,000-foot increase in altitude.
