Summer is quickly approaching in Northeast Texas. Whether working or relaxing, we will all be exposed to the hot Texas sun in the coming months.
Our sun is vital to life on Earth. Without it we would cease to exist, but it can come with a cost. Exposure to the sun’s UV radiation puts us at increased risk of sunburn, sun damage and skin cancers.
Navigating how to enjoy the sun safely can be confusing at times. Although it is well known that sunscreen is a protective measure, the best way to utilize this readily available product is often a mystery.
The sun emits two types of UV radiation, known as UVA and UVB. Ultraviolet radiation is dangerous to our health and although we are more aware of these rays during the Summer, they can still reach us on days that are cloudy or rainy. The UV index is a helpful tool that is commonly overlooked. The local UV index can be found along with the daily and weekly weather information found on the television weather report, local newspapers and weather apps. Sun protection is indicated on any day that the UV index is 3 or above.
Sunscreen is an effective chemical barrier to protect from UV rays, but there are also some other, very practical methods of protection that can be used. Wearing clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and hats can provide coverage from UV rays. It is also advised to seek shade while outside.
Sunscreen comes in a variety of forms, preparations, and concentrations. All the different choices available can be very confusing to the consumer. The most prevalent and important information on sunscreen labels is the SPF level. SPF is an acronym for “Sun Protection Factor”. SPF is a measure of how much solar energy or UV radiation is required to produce sunburn on skin protected by sunscreen relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. As the SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 meets the minimum recommendation for skin protection. Sunscreens come in forms of up to SPF 50.
It is best to choose a sunscreen that is “broad spectrum”. A broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, while a sunscreen that is not broad spectrum protects only against UVB rays.
There are active and inactive ingredients in sunscreens. Active ingredients are those that protect against UV rays, while inactive ingredients are other ingredients added by the manufacturer to complete the final preparation of the product. Sunscreen is topical, but there is always the possibility that some ingredients may be absorbed by the skin. It is best to choose a sunscreen that is FDA approved to avoid chemicals known to cause harm to humans.
Recommendations are to apply sunscreen liberally at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. It is important to apply sunscreen to all areas of the body, including often overlooked areas such as the outer ears, face, neck, back and scalp. To be effective, sunscreen should be reapplied in the same manner every 2 hours. Also, sunscreen should be reapplied after swimming, toweling off or excessive sweating.
Some physical characteristics make a person more susceptible to damage from UV rays, such as fair skin, green or blue eyes, many moles on the skin, family or personal history of skin cancer and increased age.
No matter your personal risk factors, it is important to remember that the sun’s UV radiation touches us all. Sun protection such as physical and chemical barriers have been proven to decrease the risk of damage to human health. Consistent, appropriate protection from the sun’s UV radiation is vital to the prevention of sun damage, which can progress to skin cancer over time.
Utilize the information provided to prepare for our upcoming Summer, when UV radiation is extremely high and essentially unavoidable. This information is an additional tool you can use to help clarify what types of sunscreens to purchase, as well as how and when you can utilize them to get the maximum benefit. Let’s all strive to avoid the burn and try not to fry this Summer!
As always, come see us at Hopkins Minor Emergency Center for all your urgent care, primary care, occupational and weight loss needs!
