Sunscreen Recommendations Explained: How to Protect Your Skin This Summer

ONE IN EVERY 5 Americans will develop skin cancer throughout his or her lifetime. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is known to not only increase the risk of skin cancer but also cause premature aging of the skin, with changes in color and texture, as well as wrinkling. Avoiding UV radiation is the easiest way to prevent sunburns and the development of skin cancer. It's essential for babies, children and people of all skin types. As the weather heats up and we head out to enjoy the outdoors, we should review the best ways to stay safe in the sun.



A recent study conducted in Australia shows daily sunscreen use helps reduce the risk of developing melanoma, the rarest but most deadly form of skin cancer. Sunscreen use also helps prevent the development of squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most common types of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that any time we're outdoors, we should all wear a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, at least SPF 30 and water resistant.

Everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer and skin damage from UV radiation, but there are many ways to help prevent exposure to UV radiation. Even those who tan but never burn experience significant skin damage and premature aging, so everyone can benefit from these tips:

Know the sun's strength. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. When you're outdoors, seek shade under umbrellas, shelters or trees, but remember that the sun's rays can reflect off other surfaces. Even on cloudy days, 70 to 80 percent of the sun's rays penetrate to the earth's surface. UVA, one type of UV radiation that contributes to skin cancer and early aging, even penetrates through window glass; therefore, you can still get a significant amount of sun exposure riding in the car or working near a window.

Find the right SPF. Sun protection factor is a sunscreen's ability to protect again UVB radiation. UVB radiation is the type of UV radiation that causes sunburn. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 blocks 93 percent of the UVB rays; SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. The Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher for everyone. A higher SPF is recommended for extended sun exposure and people at higher risk, including children and fair skin individuals. The average adult needs 1 ounce or a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover their body. This recommendation is significantly more than most people apply, but it's necessary to get the full SPF rating from a sunscreen.

Look for broad spectrum. UV radiation is made up of UVA and UVB radiation, which both contribute to premature aging and skin cancer development. SPF only measures a sunscreen's ability to protect against UVB radiation. Look for labels that include broad spectrum, which means a sunscreen also protects against UVA radiation. This term is now regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and products must prove protection from UVA before they can use this term.

Reapply every two hours. Water-resistant sunscreens are now tested and rated for 40 or 80 minutes. Because no sunscreen is completely water- and sweat-proof, these should also be reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.

Wear sun-protective clothing. If you'll be outside for longer periods of time, wear a long-sleeve shirt, wide brim hat and sunglasses. The SPF of clothing depends on the color and weave of the fabric, and sometimes it can be difficult to tell how much protection you're getting. A standard white T-shirt has an SPF of 7, which decreases to 3 when it's wet. There are now sun-protection ratings on some clothing, called ultraviolet protection factor. This is similar to the SPF rating used for sunscreens, but UPF refers to a fabric's ability to protect against UVB and UVA light (unlike SPF, which only refers to UVB protection). A UPF rating of 25 protects against 96 percent of UV radiation, and a UPF of 50 protects again 98 percent of UV radiation. For swimming, a rash guard is a UPF rated, tight-fitting spandex shirt that can be worn over a swimsuit, decreasing the amount of your body you must cover with sunscreen. A wide brim hat is the best way to protect your scalp, where it can be difficult to apply sunscreen. It also helps to protect your face, neck and ears, though you should still apply sunscreen to these areas for better protection.

The best sunscreen is the one that's actually on your skin; therefore, you should try different brands and types until you find one you like and are willing to wear regularly. Find a daily sunscreen you like to wear on your face, neck, upper chest and hands to protect against incidental sun exposure. Many lotions and cosmetics now have broad spectrum SPF. For extended, active sun exposure, look for a sunscreen with a higher SPF that is sweat and water resistant.

Start the summer off right protecting yourself and your family, and instilling safe habits in your children. Learning to protect yourself now can have significant effects in the future, keeping you looking young and cancer-free. So while you're out and about, just follow a few simple rules. Avoid midday sun, seek shade, reapply sunscreen and wear sun protective clothing for all your daily summer adventures.

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