SaltWire E-Edition

Proper sunscreen use makes summer enjoyable, safe

Sunscreen, along with protective attire and limited sunlight exposure, can help prevent skin damage caused by the sun’s UV rays

LAURA CHURCHILL DUKE SPECIAL TO SALTWIRE lauracd@ns.sympatico.ca

Summer and beach weather is soon upon us and so will be the sun’s hot rays. Many parents struggle with how to keep not only their kids, but themselves too, safe and comfortable when out and about during summer, especially at the beach.

What kind of sunscreen should we use? Is SPF 60 really worth it? How often do you apply it?

Tanya Howley has some advice. She is the pharmacist and owner of a Shoppers Drug Mart store in North Sydney.

She emphasized it is extremely important that we protect ourselves from the sun.

“Excessive sun exposure may lead to permanent skin damage such as photoaging, dyspigmentation and skin cancers,” explained Howley.

There are two main types of UV rays — UVA and UVB — and both UVA contribute to skin damage when the sun is out. However, even when it is not sunny, UVA still remains present and may penetrate through clouds and windows, cautioned Howley.

WHAT AND WHEN TO APPLY

Applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ around 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure will allow ample time for absorption and provide maximum sun protection.

SPF means Sun Protection Factor. The number following SPF refers to how long it would take to redden the skin compared to unprotected skin. For example, a person who has applied a sunscreen with SPF 30 correctly would take 30 times longer to burn in the sun than someone who did not apply the sunscreen. Products with an SPF of 15 will protect the skin from

about 93 per cent of the sun’s rays, while SPF 30 will protect the skin from 97 per cent of the sun’s rays and an SPF of 50 will protect the skin from 98 per cent of the sun’s rays.

“Ideally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if outdoors and more frequently if swimming or excessively perspiring,” advised Howley.

If the majority of your time is spent indoors, once a day application will likely suffice, she adds.

So, applying sunscreen as part of your daily routine will provide the best protection, especially if your plans change and you are now going to be outdoors longer than expected, said Howley. For example, using a moisturizer that contains sunscreen is a great method of incorporating sun protection into your daily routine. However, you want to ensure the product contains an SPF of at least 30.

Labelling can be deceiving, so, if you are not sure, check with your pharmacist, said Howley.

Many wonder if spray and lotion forms of sunscreen provide the same protection. Howley assured they do provide similar sun protection, if used correctly. Both products need to be used in sufficient quantity and rubbed in well.

If using the spray, be sure to spray close to the skin in an area sheltered from wind to ensure the product settles where intended. Howley also recommended spraying on your hands first prior to applying on the face.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Parabens can increase cellular damage caused by the sun and trigger skin sensitivity in many patients, noted Howley.

The majority of sunscreen are now paraben-free, which is often stated on the label.

But there are other things to watch out for, too. For example, there are many other chemicals present in sunscreen that may harm the coral reef ecosystem. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are the two most common and are thought to affect the coral reef reproductive cycle and worsen bleaching, explained Howley. So, if traveling somewhere tropical, take this into consideration.

“In general, using a sunscreen with the least amount of chemicals, hypoallergenic and scent-free with a SPF of at least 30 is the best option,” according to Howley.

OTHER WAYS TO PROTECT FROM THE SUN

• Cover up and limit time in direct sunlight if possible.

• Try to stay shaded, particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV index is at its highest.

• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays and wear a broadbrimmed hat.

• Wear sunscreen yearround with an SPF of at least 30 and ensure you apply a generous amount on all exposed areas including lips, tips of your ears, neck and hands (these areas are often forgotten).

• Avoid tanning beds and tanning lotions and be aware of the medications you are taking as some can increase your sensitivity to the sun.

• Stay well-hydrated and drink as much water as possible.

• Wear UV clothing. UV clothing is a tight-knit clothing that works by absorbing and blocking harmful UV radiation and it is believed to be one of the most effective forms of protection against the sun’s harmful rays, said Howley.

This summer, get out and enjoy the sunshine, but make sure you are well-protected!

HOW TO

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2023-06-07T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-07T07:00:00.0000000Z

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