SUNSCREEN SEASON IS ALL YEAR
I write about sunscreen this time every year because we get a lot of sun exposure with the summer’s longer days. But it is important to remember that sunscreen season is actually all year. You can even get a lot of sun exposure from the snow or when you’re out on the water.
Let’s look at some FAQ’s about sunscreen.
Why even wear sunscreen?
Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The primary rays of the sun that reach us through our atmosphere are UVA and UVB rays. So what’s the difference?
UVA
UVA rays have the following characteristics.
They penetrate into deeper layers of the skin and cause tanning but also other skin damage like wrinkles and age spots
They can pass through glass
They can contribute to skin cancer with UVB rays
UVB
UVB rays have their own traits.
They are higher energy than UVA but only penetrate the upper skin layers
They cause skin cancers like melanoma
They can also lead to cataracts
They can’t pass through glass
Your body makes Vitamin D from UVB sun exposure
What is SPF?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It’s a measure of how well sunscreen protects your skin against damage from UVB rays.
But SPF numbers can be tricky. Higher numbers don’t provide much extra protection. Here’s how the numbers break down.
SPF 15 – blocks 93% of UVB rays
SPF 30 – blocks 97% of UVB rays
SPF 50 – blocks 98% of UVB rays
So which sunscreen should you use? The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30, provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and is water resistant.
Important sunscreen points
Remember that sunscreen limits the amount of solar exposure that leads to sunburn not the length of time you can spend in the sun. Why is that important?
Other factors determine the amount of UV radiation exposure you receive when you are outside. For example, you may be able to spend an hour out in the sun at 9 AM before you burn, but can only spend 15 minutes outside at 1 PM.
Let’s look at the factors that affect your UV exposure.
Time of day. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 2 PM. You’ll get more sun exposure during these hours.
Time of year. Longer summer days can lead to more exposure than the short winter ones.
Location. Lower latitudes like in the Southern United States get more sun exposure than higher ones like here in Pittsburgh.
Cloud cover. You get less sun exposure on a cloudy day versus a clear one.
Skin type. Fair-skinned people absorb more of the sun’s energy and are more likely to get sunburned.
Reflective surfaces. Snow and water can reflect the sun’s rays and can lead to more significant sun exposure.
How should you use sunscreen?
Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen and/or don’t apply it often enough. Here are tips for proper sunscreen application.
Apply enough sunscreen to cover all areas of exposed skin. Don’t forget your ears or the tops of your feet if you’re in sandals or barefoot on the beach! If you are using a spray, your skin should glisten after you spray it on.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours.
No sunscreen is water proof. Reapply after swimming or if you sweat a lot.
Seek shade when possible if you are out between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Wear hats or light weight, light colored clothing that covers your arms and legs when possible.
What about Vitamin D?
Your skin makes Vitamin D from UVB sun exposure. Because UVB rays don’t travel through glass, indirect sun exposure from sitting near a window won’t do the trick.
Sunscreen blocks UVB rays so what should you do?
The amount of time needed to produce Vitamin D varies on your skin type and your age. Experts also don’t agree how much time you need to spend in the sun to make Vitamin D.
Here are some tips.
Limit sun exposure to the time of day when the sun’s rays are less intense
Get Vitamin D from your diet
Consider a supplement, especially if you are at higher risk for skin cancer
So enjoy the summer’s long days with plenty of sunscreen to prevent any sunburn. But remember that sunscreen season actually lasts all year long!