By Dr. Ana Stankovic
UnitedHealthcare of New England
Summer vacation often means more time outdoors in the sunshine, which leads many of us to consider how best to protect our skin against the increased sun exposure.
More people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined, and most skin cancer is associated with sun exposure. Knowing how to help protect your skin from the sun may have a lasting impact.1
Here is a breakdown of the facts and myths of skin protection:
Fact: Your sunscreen should have UVA and UVB protection.
The Skin Cancer Foundation says that ultraviolet A rays are present all day and can cause skin-aging and wrinkling while ultraviolet B rays are strongest during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and can cause sunburns.2 Both types have been linked to skin cancer.
Myth: One application of sunscreen lasts all day.
Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day and SPF, or sun protection factor, can help you know how often. If you typically burn after 10 minutes in the sun, multiply that number by the SPF. Reapply often, at least every two hours. Sunscreens should also be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or excessive sweating.
Myth: You should use the highest SPF possible.
You may be surprised to learn that higher SPF does not always mean better protection. You may not need anything higher than SPF 30 if you’re applying generously and often. This is because, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 30 protects against 97% of the sun’s rays, while SPF 50 increases that just a bit – to 98%.3
Fact: You can get sun damage on a cloudy day.
One of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting about incidental sun exposure. Your skin is still soaking up UV rays even on cloudy days or while driving with the windows down. To help protect skin in such situations put sunscreen on first thing in the morning, even if you aren’t thinking about going outside. Be consistent.
Myth: Sunscreen is better than covering up.
While sunscreen is vital and should be used, it’s important to stress the value of staying covered up. Wear lightweight, tightly woven hats, shirts, and pants. Combine sunscreen and sun-protective clothing for your strongest protection.