Save your skin this summer
By Marisela Andrade-Krasiewski
Many of us are good at putting on sunscreen when we are planning to spend a weekend at the beach or exercising outdoors, but how sun-smart are you? Even if you are savvy about using sunscreen, it may not be enough to ward off the damages too much sun can cause, like wrinkles and cancer. Although it feels great, too much sun isn’t a good thing. Too much sun can lead to skin cancer. A tan is the body’s desperate attempt to protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays. Before you step out to enjoy the sun, learn to protect yourself!
The sun’s rays, which are called ultraviolet A, and ultraviolet B rays or (UVA and UVB rays) damage your skin. If your skin isn’t protected, this will lead to early wrinkles, skin cancer and other skin problems. What’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays, you ask? For starters, both cause damage, including skin cancer. UVA rays are the cause of wrinkles later in life, and UVB rays are what cause your skin to burn. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number applies only to the UVB. There isn’t a rating for UVA protection; however, you can ensure the best UVA protection by using a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide. Both these minerals act as barriers that deflect harmful rays.
Understanding SPF numbers
The effectiveness of an SPF is percentage-based. For example, an SPF of 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays, and 30 blocks 97 percent. No product shields 100 percent, but every bit counts! SPF numbers help you determine how long a product will protect you. If you tend to turn pink after spending three minutes in unprotected sun, multiply that number by the SPF number you are using. For example, if you turn pink after spending three minutes in the sun, and you use an SPF 15, multiply that number by three (15 x 3 = 45). That’s 45 minutes of sun protection. If you use an SPF of 30 you can rely on 90 minutes of sun protection. It’s up to you to determine what SPF works best for you. Use the time examples as an estimate of sun protection; however, take into consideration that you may sweat, swim and towel off; therefore, you will inadvertently remove the sunscreen, which will leave you unprotected.
Water resistant, all-day protection does not mean waterproof
If your sunscreen states that it’s water-resistant or that it offers all-day protection, you can typically count on being protected for up to 40 minutes in the water. If you swim or sweat, choose a waterproof formula, for this contains polymers that create an invisible film that helps the ingredients stay put. Be certain to reapply the sunscreen after spending more than an hour in the water, and after toweling off.
Makeup with sunscreen?
Just because your makeup contains sunscreen doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use a moisturizer or an oil-free moisturizer that offers SPF protection. Consider using a moisturizer for maximum protection, especially if you are outdoors for an extended period of time, or if you spend a lot of time in and out of your car throughout the day.
Not a sun worshiper?
If you spend as little as 15 minutes in the sun, you should still wear sunscreen. Your skin is like a sun bank; 15 minutes deposited each day could eventually add up to premature wrinkles and skin cancer. For short spurts of sun exposure, you can use a daily moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher to protect you from casual exposure.
Darker skin tones and sun damage
People with darker skin tones are not immune to sun damage. The melanin in dark skin serves to protect it; however, dark skin can still burn and develop skin cancer. The sun is just as damaging to dark skin. It just takes longer for the damage to take its toll.
African-Americans are less likely to get skin cancer than Caucasians; however, they are more likely to die from it because it is usually detected at an advanced stage because of the belief that darker skin is safe without sunscreen. Regardless of your skin tone, protect yourself by using sunscreen, and watch out for suspicious spots.
Skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are slow-growing and easy to treat. The third type of skin cancer is known as malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma is very dangerous, fast-growing, and it spreads quickly. According to the American Cancer Society, being over-exposed to sun during childhood will put you at a higher risk of developing malignant melanoma later in life.
You are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer if you have fair skin that burns easily, have more than 50 moles on your body, have had skin cancer before, and if you have close relatives who have or have had skin cancer. Ultimately, there isn’t much we can do to avoid the sun; however, we can take every precaution by applying sunscreen each time we step outside.
Marisela Andrade-Krasiewski, MPA, is the media and community liaison for Steps to a Healthier San Antonio, San Antonio Metro Health District. The program is part of Steps to a Healthier US, a national program focusing on the prevention of diabetes, obesity and asthma by addressing related risk factors such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity and tobacco use and exposure.
