Sun Safety
Despite all the wonderful things the sun can do for us, it does not come without any risks. One of the most important ways we can stay safe in the sun is to wear sunscreen, making it important to choose wisely.
How to be Safe in the Sun
Our bodies love and flourish in the sunlight. Getting enough Vitamin D through sun exposure plays an important role in our health and happiness. Despite all the wonderful things the sun can do for us, it does not come without any risks. One of the most important ways we can stay safe in the sun is to wear sunscreen, making it important to choose wisely.
What Exactly Does Sunscreen Do?
The purpose of sunscreen is to block the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation from entering the body.
The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays. Most sunscreens only block UVB rays and allow UVA rays to enter the skin. UVA are the rays that cause tanning, prematurely age your skin which leads to wrinkles and age spots while UVB burns the skin. Too much exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.
There are two broad categories of sunscreen ingredients: chemical and mineral/physical filters.
The most common sunscreens contain chemical filters (ex. Oxybenzone, avobenzone) which are easily absorbed into the body and lead to hormone disruption. Mineral filters include: titanium oxide and zinc oxide which block both UVA and UVB rays and form a shield on top of the skin to prevent deep absorption.
What is SPF?
Sun protective factor (SPF) measures how well sunscreen protects against UVB rays. It is calculated based on how long it takes to sunburn skin that is treated with sunscreen. There is no way to report UVA absorption. So always pick a broad spectrum sunscreen as this can protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
What Are Some Pros/Cons of Sunscreen Use?
PROS:
Regular and proper sunscreen use drastically decreases rate of skin cancer
Sunscreen can combat aging and decrease the appearance of wrinkles and age spots
CONS:
Since sunscreens are applied over large areas of the skin, the ingredients are quickly absorbed and can find their way into blood, urine and breast milk.
** Important to note that these cons only pertain to chemical sunscreens and not mineral ones like zinc oxide
What to Avoid in Your Sunscreen?
Try to avoid these chemicals-
Oxybenzone - Most often found in sunscreen
Avobenzone
Homosalate
Octinoxate
Octocrylene
Cinoxate
Dioxybenzone
Padimate
Sulisobenzone
PABA
Trolamine salicylate
Bigger isn’t better - Avoid SPF > 50:
Avoid sunscreen sprays and powders
Avoid sunscreen with Vitamin A, also known as retinyl palmitate
What to Look For When Shopping For Sunscreen?
Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers long-lasting protection and one with ingredients that does not cause long term health damage.
Look for sunscreens that are mineral-based to minimize absorption into the skin
Chose safe/mineral ingredients like:
Titanium dioxide
Zinc oxide
Avobenzone at 3%
Pick a sunscreen with an SPF between 15-50
How to Properly Apply Your Sunscreen:
The most common mistake that people make when using sunscreen is improper application. Sunscreen needs to be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure as this is the amount of time it takes for the sunscreen to be absorbed into the skin. In terms of how much to apply, it should form a thin protective film on the skin’s surface, about 1 ounce. Always remember to reapply sunscreen after going in the water or after sweating.
Other Important Tips for Staying Safe in The Sun:
The best protection against too much harmful UV rays is a combination of clothing, shade, good timing and sunscreen. Keep in mind that sunscreen ALONE does not prevent skin cancer. It is important to combine safe sunscreen with time spent in the shade, with hat and clothes. Here is a checklist to follow:
Cover up-This includes, t-shirts for adults, sun suits for kids, hats and shorts. There are lines of light clothing that provide SPF to protect against UVA and UVB
Drink water-Hydration while spending time in the sun can prevent heat strokes
Look for Shade-Make an effort to find these spots whether it is under a tree or umbrella
Sunglasses - can protect your eyes from UVB radiation that may cause cataracts
Timing-Ideal time to be safe in the sun and to get your Vitamin D is early in the morning or late afternoon. UV radiation peaks mid-day. It is estimated that 15-20 minutes of exposure is recommended to get your daily dose of Vitamin D but also avoids burning. Avoid the sun from 10 am-4 pm
Wear Sunscreen
Sun Safety Tips for Kids
Did you know that sunburns in children can actually double the risk of developing skin cancer? Research is clear that intermittent, intense sun exposure in childhood is linked to melanoma which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is important to prevent sunburns in children. Children who have light coloured skin, eyes and play in the sun for long periods are at a higher risk. The best sun safe tip for kids is to always make sure they are wearing sun protecting gear like hats and t shirts.
Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults. Apply a little bit of sunscreen on their hands before lathering it all over to make sure no reactions occur.
Make sure to reapply sunscreen often if they are in the water or sweating.
Sun Safety Tips for Infants
Infants < 6 months should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. At this age there is very little melanin production. When you take your baby outside make sure to:
Protective clothing and a hat
Always make shade for them: ex. Stroller canopy or umbrella
AVOID going out in the sun during peak hours mid day (10 am - 4 pm)
How to Speed Up Recovery from Sunburns
A sunburn is a burn to the skin that is caused by exposure to UV rays of the sun - specifically UVB radiation. It can appear as a red, painful skin lesion that is also hot to touch. Sun burns will usually set in 2-6 hours after exposure, peaks at 12-36 hours and fades after about 72 hours.
It is helpful to use products that will help to cool and soothe the burn. You want to avoid lotions and creams, which can lock in the heat. Try the following tips post sunburn:
Hydrate - Drinking a lot of water post burn can help the body to recover quicker
Aloe Vera Gel - This is a soothing plant which can help to cool the burn
Avoid any perfumes from soaps, bath bombs, as this will be more painful and slow down healing
Apply some witch hazel
To reduce inflammation and relieve sunburns -Shea butter, apply to affected areas as this can help to restore moisture in the area
Overall, enjoy your time outside, just be safe! Spending too much time in the sun increases your risk for skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk regularly use sunscreen, limit time in the sun, wear hats, light clothing and reapply often. Use these tips for picking out your safe sunscreen!
Bonnie