Skin Safety - How to Stay Protected

Using sun protection consistently from an early age is the strongest defense against developing skin cancer.

Know Your Sunscreens

Sunscreens come in many formulations and delivery methods, and it can take trial and error to find the one you like best.

Here’s what’s most important when choosing a sunscreen:

  • Choose a cream formulation for your initial application

  • A broad spectrum coverage that protects your skin from ultraviolet light A and B

  • A minimum of SPF30

Sun Protection Factor (SPF), is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. An SPF of 30 allows 3% of UV rays to hit your skin, an SPF 50 allows 2% of UV rays to hit your skin.

Broad spectrum. The words “broad spectrum” on a label indicate that the sunscreen contains ingredients that effectively protect against UVA rays as well as UVB.

Water resistance. While sunscreens can’t claim to be waterproof, they can be labeled water resistant for either 40 or 80 minutes. Yes, you can burn even when you’re in the water, so reapplying is key!

Play in the shade

Seek shade, especially between 10am-2pm. This can be a great refuge to limit your UV exposure.

Cover up

Hats, sunglasses and clothing provide great protection against UV light. Universal protection factor (UPF) is used to identify clothing that is made to protect your skin from the sun. Dark colors provide more protection than light colors. A tightly woven fabric protects better than loosely woven clothing. Dry fabric is generally more protective than wet fabric.

Say “NO” to tanning beds

It’s simple: Don’t use a tanning bed — ever. Tanning bed use raises the risk of all kinds of skin cancer, including melanoma. In fact, using a tanning bed (even only once) before age 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 75 percent.

TANNING FACTS & RISKS

  • Skin damage starts with your very first tan. Each time you tan, the damage builds up, creating more genetic mutations and greater risk.

  • Indoor tanning is dangerous: Tanning beds don’t offer a safe alternative to sunlight; they raise the risk for skin cancers.

  • Tanning damages all types of skin: Even if your skin type is not fair, tanning causes DNA injury that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.

 

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DAVIS FAMILY PHYSICIANS
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