Just as important as avoiding excess sun is knowing what to do if you end up getting burned. In the majority of cases, a simple sunburn does not mean a person should visit the dermatologist.
A bronzed body is often seen as a sign of health and vitality in today’s society. Unfortunately, the sun damage that skin must endure to get the dark tan so many women crave is actually a sign that the skin has been injured. Not only that, but excess sun speeds the aging process while decreasing the skin’s elasticity and tautness.
Of course, dermatologists have been warning against the effects of suntans—and the dangerous sunburns that usually precede them—for years. It hasn’t been until recently, however, as an increasing number of Americans have started suffering from skin cancer and other deadly conditions, that people are finally wising up.
Countless studies have shown that UVA contributes to premature skin wrinkling and cancer. Excess sun exposure can also give skin the leathery appearance that so many women dread, and increase the chances that a person will develop age spots as the years go by.
Luckily, avoiding the ugly side effects of too much UVA and UVB exposure is easy, and men and women who avoid sunburns can rest assured that they will have a greatly reduced risk of developing skin cancer in the future. Thanks to new products and technologies, there are more ways than ever to enjoy the outdoors without getting burned.
Apply Protection
The number one key to sun protection is applying sunscreen or sunblock liberally on a daily basis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. No one is exempt from this, since skin cancer can affect people of all skin types and races. Even those who spend the majority of their time indoors should apply sunscreen to any areas that are not covered by clothing, since UVA rays can penetrate glass windows as well. Finally, sunscreen should be worn on the face ever day, since up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds.
For maximum protection, sunscreen should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, so it has time to set in before the skin is exposed to the sunlight. Ideally, adult men and women should use at least one ounce of sunscreen to cover their body. A few commonly missed spots, however, include the ears, hands, kneecaps, and arms—where many people forget to apply sunscreen and end up getting burned.
Finally, applying sunscreen once a day isn’t good enough for anyone who works or plays outdoors. For these people, sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours, or immediately after getting out of the pool.
Choose the Right Type
There is a different type of sunscreen for every person, so nobody should feel that sunscreen doesn’t work for them. Although the specific brand of sunscreen is a personal decision based on preference, cream-based products are generally better for use on the body, while lotion or mist-based sunscreens are generally lighter feeling and better for use on the face. Even those suffering from acne or sensitive skin can find sunblocks formulated to work for their needs now that an increasing number of products are listed as “dermatologist tested.”
As a general rule, experts from the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend buying a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with an SPF higher than 15. Unlike other protections, broad-spectrum formulas protect against both UVA and UVB light, thus increasing the products effectiveness.
Wear the Right Clothes
As UVA and UVB blocking technology has increased in recent years, so have the number of products designed to help with the fight against sunburns and skin cancer. One product that is catching on in popularity is sun-protective clothing, which can be bought in various outdoor sporting stores.
While sun protective clothing is not a substitute for sunscreen, it can be used as an additional measure to avoid sunburns. Many brands currently on the market include broad-spectrum protection, which blocks more than 97% of all UV rays from the skin.
