Sunscreen Facts

Need for protection from sunlight

Exposure to both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays results in cumulated damage that leads to skin aging, cataracts, corneal burns and the formation of skin cancer.
UVR penetrate deep into the skin support structure, affecting the skin's immune system and increasing cancer risks.
Eighty percent of lifetime exposure to sunlight occurs before the age 18.
UVA rays penetrate glass/windows.
Eighty percent of damaging rays can get through clouds.
Even one blistering sunburn in childhood could result in the development of melanoma later in life.
Sixty percent of the day's sunburning radiation occurs between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Reflection from sand, water and white surfaces, such as a deck or bulkhead on boats, results in substantial UVR exposure.
Heat and brightness are not indicators of UV intensity.

Sunblocks (i.e., physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide) reflect, scatter rays and act as a barrier to UVR.
Sunscreens (chemical) absorb UVA and UVB rays.
It has been determined microscopically that sun damage can be reversed by using sunscreens.
Sunscreens are labeled with a sun protection factor (SPF). For example, with an SPF 15 it takes 15 times as much sun exposure to get a sunburn as compared to no sunscreen at all.

Replace sunscreens yearly.
Cover all exposed surfaces, including tops of ears, scalps where there is thinning or no hair, noses and bony surfaces.
Water-resistant sunscreens lose their SPF after 40 minutes in water; waterproof sunscreens after 90 minutes. Re-apply as needed.
Apply sunscreen lip balm to lips.

Avoid sun exposure, and do not use sunscreens on infants younger than 6 months.
Keep infants and young children out of the sun's peak rays.
Use umbrellas, canopies and wide-brimmed hats to stay in the shade.
When applying sunscreen, lightly rub sunscreen in your hands first, then apply to child's face.
Sunscreen sticks "stay put" more effectively and are less prone to get into eyes.
Use fragrance-free sunscreen to avoid attracting stinging insects.
For fidgety children, try spritz-on sunscreens.

Children spend three times longer in the sun than adults.
Creams and lotions are less drying for young skin.
Set an example for your child by using sunscreens every day.
Children like sunscreen "glitter"; SPF is low, but better than no sunscreen at all.
Teaching children to put on sunscreen every day should be as important as teaching them to brush their teeth.
Select a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or greater; broad spectrum sunscreens protect best from UVA and UVB rays.
Apply sunscreens every day regardless of the season.
Apply 15-30 minutes before going outdoors; re-apply every two hours.
Do not spare the sunscreen; 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) will cover unexposed surfaces on the average adult.

Acne-prone teens should use a gel or alcohol based product.
Sunscreens should not be used to increase sun exposure time.
Chronic tanning eventually leads to skin cancer, wrinkling, leathery skin and photo aging
Avoid tanning booths. Sun-bed use is a risk factor in the formation of melanoma.
Topical creams for artificial tan do not protect from the sun's rays unless they contain sunscreen.

Sunscreen practices applied in youth and middle age should continue in elderly years.
Persons with dry skin should select creams or moisturizers with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Natural processes in aging skin include a decline in the skin's ability to repair damage produced by sun exposure due to a less effective immune system in the skin.
Cumulative photo damage results in thin, damaged skin that will worsen as more sun damage continues--sunscreen those rays!
The skin is less effective at sweating and cooling; elderly persons should wear regular lightweight, tightly woven clothing covering exposed surfaces, and should plan activities when the sun is not directly overhead and the air is cooler.
Most elderly people get enough vitamin D from exposure to UVRs; concerned individuals should consider vitamin D supplements.

Wrap-around sunglasses block ninety-nine percent of UVA and UVB rays. Purchase contact lenses that offer UVR protection.
Select hats with a 3-4" brim or front and back flaps.
Tightly woven clothing that covers all exposed skin acts almost as a total shield from UVRs.
Typical summer fabrics have an SPF of 6.5; less if wet.
Watch the clock. Avoid UVR between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Seek shade; thick tree = SPF 15, canopy of trees = SPF 30.