Those long summer days and nights are underway, and here at the Y, we all agree it's about
time!
Knowing what to do to stay safe and enjoy those summer rays is important to your health and well-
being. Wearing sunscreen is key.
By protecting you from harmful radiation from the sun, sunscreen reduces your risk of skin cancer,
premature aging and sunburns.
You can boost your protection by choosing the right sunscreen and wearing it every day, rain or shine.
Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's ultraviolet, or UV, rays. Two types of UV rays, known as
UVA and UVB, trigger harmful changes in your skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA
rays account for up to 95 percent of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. Both
UVA and UVB rays contribute to the development of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma,
squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone
protect their skin by wearing sunscreen every day, all year round, rain or shine.
Wearing sunscreen every day also helps prevent premature aging. The authors of a June 2013 article
published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" reported on a study comparing recommended daily use
of sunscreen versus discretionary use in people younger than 55. At the conclusion of their 4.5-year
study, the researchers found 24 percent less skin aging in the group advised to use sunscreen daily
compared to the group using sunscreen at their own discretion. Aging was measured by lines and
coarseness of the skin.
In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released new regulations for sunscreen labels. The
Skin Cancer Foundation states you should look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UV
coverage and has an SPF of at least 15. Also, don’t forget to reapply as directed on the sunscreen
bottle’s label. In most cases, sunscreen doesn't block the sun or last for more than 2 hours.
Get out there and enjoy the summer, but don’t forget the sunscreen. It could save your life!
Resources:
M.C.B. Hughes, G.M. Williams, P. Baker, and A.C. Green. (2013, June 4). Sunscreen and Prevention of
Skin Aging. Retrieved from http://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/1691732/sunscreen-prevention-skin-aging
Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics. Retrieved from
https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017, July 14). Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from
the Sun. Retrieved from
https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingO
ver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm239463.htm
