Sunscreen Smarts
Whether you're in store for a beautiful weekend or the forecast shows some clouds rolling in, if you're going to be out and about, remember to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. Sunscreen filters out the sun's dangerous -- and invisible -- UV (ultraviolet) rays, which can cause skin cancer.
The International Dermal Institute (IDI) advises us not to only use sunscreen on warm, clear days, but also on sunny winter days, when it's cloudy and even while driving. "We need to protect our skin any time it's exposed to daylight, not just when we think our chances of exposure are higher," says Dr. Diana Howard, vice president of Research and Development for the IDI. Research shows that daily low-grade exposure to sunlight can be just as damaging as short, intense exposure with sun protection. Howard adds, "The proper application of sunscreen on a daily basis is as mandatory to skin health as proper cleansing."
Who Should Wear Sunscreen?
Put simply: Everyone. The sun's UV rays can damage your skin in
as little as 15 minutes, and people of all skin colors can be
harmed by those ultraviolet rays.
Apart from those who spend a lot of time outdoors -- either for work or play -- you're more likely to get skin cancer from exposure to the sun if you have one or more of the following:
- Lighter natural skin color.
- Skin that easily sunburns, freckles or gets red (or becomes painful from the sun).
- Blonde or red hair.
- Blue or green eyes.
- A family member who has had skin cancer.
Kids are among the most vulnerable, because, according to a 2006 review article published in Pediatric Dermatology, most people receive 50% of their total lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. So it is more important than ever to educate kids and families about skin cancer and smart sun protection.
When to Use Sunscreen
You need protection from the sun even on slightly cloudy or cool
days. For best results, you should apply sunscreen approximately
30 minutes before being in the sun so that it will be absorbed by
the skin and less likely to wash off when you perspire. Before
application, shake the bottle well before use to mix particles
that might be clumped up in the container. For ease of use,
consider using the spray-on or stick types of sunscreen. "I'm
going to get some of that spray for [my son]!" says Sheila, one
of the SheKnows.com community members. "He doesn't sit still for
a second while I'm trying to get him dressed, so this way, I can
just point and shoot -- and it seems like it will be so easy to
reapply it while we're outside!"
Use sun protection on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, including the ears, back, shoulders and the back of your knees and legs. If blemishes or sensitive skin is an issue, special non-oil-based sunscreens are available for use on your face. Be sure to apply enough; as a rule of thumb, use an ounce (approximately a handful) to cover your entire body every couple of hours. Apply it thickly and thoroughly, and get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. (Two trouble spots that don't work so well with suncreen: Your scalp -- especially if you have a part -- and your eyelids. A hat and sunglasses will fit the bill there.)
Keep in mind that sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours, and after you swim or do anything that makes you sweat.
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Member Comments On...
Sunscreen Smarts
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The sunscreen are available in the market in variety like cream,lotions,gel,sprays.then also the people are unaware of benefit of the sunscreen or sunblocks. http://www.womenhealthcenter.net/why-you-should-wear-sunscreen.html It helps sun rays to penetrate into skin and damage the skin with black spot rashes, aging. Use sunblocks all over skin which is directly exposed to the sun directly use of this sun screen must be 20 min before you leave the home.
