Is getting sunburn really that big of a deal? A little pink, darker red or even blisters are totally worth it as long as it turns into a nice tan right? WRONG! According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), having one blistering sunburn before the age of 18 can nearly double a person’s lifetime risk of melanoma skin cancer. And no matter how mild, every burn is a sign of injury to your skin. Since 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime it is important to know how to best protect yourself from the sun!
Ultraviolet Radiation 101
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of radiation that is emitted naturally by the sun and other artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV radiation is projected towards earth as 3 different rays: A, B, C. Of these types only UVA and UVB are able to pass through the ozone layer and onto the earth’s surface. UVA rays make up ~90-95% of the rays that reach earth. They are specifically known as "aging rays" because they penetrate deep into the skin causing premature aging - wrinkles, age spots. UVA rays can even penetrate through glass and contribute to getting sunburn. UVB rays make up ~5-10% of the rays that reach the earth. They are specifically known as "burning rays", because they are the primary cause of sunburn that affects the surface of the skin. While UVB rays cannot penetrate through glass, they are stronger rays, especially during the hours of 10:00am - 4:00pm. Both of these UV rays are associated with developing skin cancer.
The UV Index was designed to help you make informed decisions about how much time you should spend in the sun and what protection you should use. The UV index is a numeric system that rates the amount of UV rays reaching the earth's surface at any specific time at a specific location. Scores range from 0 - 11+ identifying minimal to very high risk of burning (which is based on the fair skin type.) The higher the UV index, the faster you may burn!
Visit the EPA website for daily UV index numbers! https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-1
Sun Protection
To minimize getting sunburned and decrease chances of skin cancer, follow these tips:
☀ Limit time in the sun, especially during 10:00am - 4:00 pm.
☀ Seek shade!
☀ Wear SPF 30 sunscreen or higher.
☀ Wear protective clothing: wide-brimmed hat, long pants, long sleeved shirt.
☀ Wear sunglasses that block both UV rays.
☀ Use extra caution near water, snow and sand because they reflect UV rays.
☀ Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet or supplements. Do not seek the sun!
☀ Minimize sun exposure if taking medications that increase sensitivity. For a full list of visit:
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a topical product that works by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sunlight that reaches our skin. The amount of protection you receive from sunscreen varies based on the SPF. SPF stands for "sun protection factor" and this number tells you how long it would take UVB rays to redden your skin with sunscreen on, as opposed to not wearing any at all. For example, if you are applying SPF 15 sunscreen as directed, then it will take you 15x longer to burn. Higher SPF numbers do offer more protection, but anything above SPF 50 is not greatly superior.
ALL sunscreen, regardless of SPF, should be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming/sweating. Everyone should invest in a sunscreen routine and apply at least SPF 15 daily and SPF 30 when enjoying long days outdoors.
When choosing a sunscreen there are many different options! It is almost overwhelming. For example, creams are best for the face and dry skin areas, gels are best for hairy areas like the scalp and chest, sticks are best for around the eyes and sprays allow for easy application, especially with children.
The AAD recommends using a sunscreen that is SPF 30+, broad spectrum, and water resistant, but the rest is up to you. The best sunscreen is one that you will continue to keep wearing!
Remember to follow these tips when applying sunscreen:
☀ Apply enough sunscreen to cover exposed skin - about 1 oz (shot glass full) for whole body.
☀ Apply 20-30 minutes before heading outdoors.
☀ Reapply every 2 hours and after sweating or swimming.
☀ Don't forget to apply to the tops of your feet, neck, ears and the top of your head.
☀ Apply a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Sunburn
What is sunburn? Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction that happens when UVB rays reach the outermost layer of the skin causing injury. Our skin has a natural defense system against UV rays called melanin. Melanin helps to darken your unprotected skin when it is exposed to the sun. The amount of melanin a person produces is up to genetics, which is why some people burn more easily than others. For people with less melanin, longer periods of time in the sun without protection causes skin cells to become red, swollen and painful = sunburn.
Sunburn symptoms may not appear until 6 to 12 hours after exposure and you can even burn on cloudy days.
If you notice yourself start to burn....GET OUT OF THE SUN! Then follow these tips:
☀ Soothe burns by taking a cool shower/bath or applying a cold compress.
☀ Do NOT put ice directly on a sunburn.
☀ Moisturize! While the skin is still damp use a gentle lotion/cream/aloe to defer dryness.
☀ Do NOT use petroleum, oil-based ointments, or -caine ointments (ex: benzocaine, lidocaine).
☀ Decrease inflammation/pain by taking ibuprofen or naproxen.
☀ Apply 1% cortisone cream for inflammation and itching.
☀ Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid skin irritation.
☀ Stay out of the sun until the burn fully heals.
☀ Hydrate! Drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks.
More severe sunburn tends to blister and peel. If you are experiencing this remember:
☀ Never peel your skin, just let it come off naturally.
☀ Do NOT scratch or pop blisters. This can lead to infection.
☀ Lightly bandage or cover the area with gauze.
☀ If blisters break, gently clean the area with mild soap/water and apply antiseptic ointment.
Severe sunburns sometimes need medical attention. See a doctor for your sunburn if you experience any of the following:
☀ Severe, blistering over large portion of the body (~15%)
☀ Fever (above 101°F) or chills
☀ Woozy or confused
☀ Severe dehydration
☀ Extreme pain that lasts more than 48 hours
☀ Signs of infection - oozing, pus
Skin Cancer Recognition
Ultimately, protecting our skin from the sun helps to prevent skin cancer, such as melanoma. This particular type of skin cancer is not the most common, but it is more dangerous because of its ability to quickly spread throughout the body. Early detection is important!
Check your birthday suit on your birthday!!
Remember the ABCDEs of melanoma:
A: Asymmetric shape
B: Border irregularity
C: Color variation
D: Diameter > 1/4 inch
E: Evolving
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tanning bad for you?
- Tanning is your skin's response to injury. UV rays injure the skin and cause it to produce melanin. Any change in skin color after UV exposure whether it is a tan or a burn is a sign of injury, not health. Avoid tanning salons and tanning. If you want to look tan try using self-tanning lotions, but continue to use sunscreen when outside.
Should I put sunscreen on my baby?
Sunscreen is OK to use on babies older than 6 months. Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours or after being in the water. To avoid irritating baby's eyes and skin you can use a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Younger babies should use other forms of sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and clothing. The best way to protect babies from the sun is to keep them in the shade as much as possible.
Can I use bug spray and sunscreen together?
- Yes! This is the acceptable as long as you put on sunscreen first and then bug spray. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
- There are combination products, but the AAD recommends buying these separately.
Does sunscreen expire?
- Sunscreen does have an expiration date and you should follow this date. You can still use it after the expiration date, but it will not be as effective and you can be susceptible to sunburn more easily. If there is no expiration date, the shelf life is no more than 3 years. Shelf life will decrease if sunscreen has been left in the sun or hot temperatures for long periods of time.
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