Sunscreens protect against UV rays that cause sunburn, skin aging and cancer. They work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV rays.
You’ll find sunscreen labels can be daunting, with a lot of terms like “reef safe” and “waterproof.” But the FDA has recently reined in some manufacturers’ exaggerated claims.
Avoid the Sun
With warmer weather on the horizon, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. But with summer comes sun exposure, which can lead to painful burns, premature ageing and even skin cancer. In order to protect your skin, there are a few key things you need to remember. Moreover, working on self care can also improve your life.
The best way to avoid the sun is to stay out of it, but if you do have to go outside, try to limit your time between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s UV rays are strongest. Wearing sun-protective clothing, such as a wide brimmed hat that shades your head and neck, and loose-fitting long sleeves that cover most of your skin is another great way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for tightly woven fabrics that are thicker and less transparent, as well as dyes added to help absorb UV radiation.
You can also purchase special clothes that are made with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) built into the fabric. If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, try a waterproof sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher. Make sure to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Sunscreens come in many formulations and delivery methods, so it may take some trial and error to find the one that’s right for you. However, Kelly recommends choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen that shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. She also advises choosing a water resistant sunscreen, as well as a mineral formula that is more gentle on the skin than chemical products.
Lastly, it’s important to have a healthy diet that includes foods rich in vitamin D, which helps the body produce its own natural sunscreen. You can also get vitamin D through supplements and by exposing yourself to sunlight for short periods of time on a regular basis, such as when taking a walk or going out on your porch.
Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most effective tools to protect against skin cancer, but only if it’s applied correctly. UR Medicine dermatologists have some tips to help ensure that you’re getting the most out of your sunscreen.
Start with a clean, dry face before applying sunscreen. Make sure to shake the bottle well before squeezing any out, and use about 1 ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover your body. Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside to give it time to bind to your skin and work. Remember to cover all areas of skin that aren’t covered by clothing, including the rims of your ears and lips, the back of your neck, the tops of your feet, and your hands.
Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which cause sunburns and can lead to skin cancer. Look for a water-resistant formula, as well. It’s important to reapply the sunscreen every two hours or as directed, especially after getting wet or sweating.
Even if you’re wearing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, it’s important to cover up and seek shade when possible. Look for shade under a tree or an umbrella, walk on the shady side of the road or at a restaurant’s covered patio, and wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection. It’s also important to avoid the sun during peak UV times, which are usually between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Reapply Sunscreen
We’ve all heard the standard recommendation that sunscreen be reapplied every two hours when spending time outside, especially after sweating or swimming, but it can be easy to forget even when you’re not at the beach. “Sunscreen efficacy decreases over time because it can rub off, get absorbed into the skin or be rubbed off by towels,” dermatologist Lily Talakoub tells SELF. So to ensure you’re getting the best protection from UV rays, it’s crucial to be diligent about reapplying, even when wearing a moisturizer that contains SPF.
And it’s important not to skimp on the amount of sunscreen you apply — a general rule of thumb is to squeeze the product onto your pointer and middle fingers, then spread that out on the face and neck. You should also make sure you cover all the skin that’s exposed, including the ears and back of the neck.
Another tip from both Casey and Kozlovskaya: Make it a habit to apply sunscreen before your daily activities, as the sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds and can still burn the skin, even when you’re not directly exposed. Both dermatologists also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, soaking up shade, staying out of the midday sun when it’s the strongest and seeking out clothing with UV protection.
It can be difficult to remember to reapply your sunscreen on a regular basis, so you can try linking it to a daily activity that you already do, like brushing your teeth or showering. Or set a reminder on your phone every two hours. It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of sunscreen with you in your purse or backpack, just in case you need to touch up throughout the day.
Wear Shade
Many people are unaware that even if they don’t burn, sun exposure can cause skin damage. That’s why it’s important to protect your skin from the sun with clothing and shade, as well as sunscreen.
Clothing provides a physical barrier against UV rays and is especially effective when it’s dark in color. When possible, wear loose-fitting long sleeved shirts and pants or choose clothing with an SPF rating. A hat with a wide brim will also help cover your ears and face.
It’s best to seek shade as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is most intense. That means squatting under a tree or umbrella, wearing a hat or visor, covering your shoulders and neck, and walking in the shadow of buildings or rock formations.
Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To truly protect your skin, it’s essential to wear sun-protective clothing and shade and reapply sunscreen as directed.
The most critical ingredients in sunscreen are called sun filters, which block the sun’s damaging rays. Most sunscreens contain a combination of several sun filters, which offer protection across a range of UV wavelengths. These include both physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which reflect UV rays away from the skin, and chemical absorbers, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (also known as retinyl palmitate). Other sunscreen ingredients, like solvents, thickening agents, emulsifiers, chelating agents, pH-balancing agents, antioxidants, and oleophilic acid help to keep the sun filter in solution, homogeneous, spreadable, and functional. Additionally, cosmetic ingredients, such as emollients and fragrances, enhance the feel of sunscreen on the skin and make it less gritty and greasy.
Stay Hydrated
Fun in the sun is a staple of summer, but outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round. From beach and pool days to hiking and walks around the block, it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Here are some tips to help you stay safe in the sun:
When selecting a sunscreen, choose one with an SPF of at least 15 that’s labeled as broad spectrum. These types of products offer protection against both UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin and break down collagen and elastin, as well as UVB rays that cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Look for a formula that contains moisturizing ingredients and is oil-free so it doesn’t clog pores.
Even if you choose a high-quality broad-spectrum SPF product, reapply it every two hours and more frequently if you sweat or swim. In addition, use protective clothing such as tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats. You may also want to consider laundry additives that add a layer of ultraviolet protection for a set number of washings or special sun-protective clothing designed to block the UV rays.
A good sunscreen should be oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or make acne worse.
Regular self-exams are another must-do to spot signs of melanoma and other skin conditions. If you notice any changes to a mole, have it examined by a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible. Likewise, if you develop five or more blistering sunburns, see your dermatologist for a thorough exam.
