I’ve been guilty of not using sunscreen as often as I should. I’ve got a skin tone that lets me enjoy the sun without much trouble from burns. Even if I tan, my skin usually lightens back quickly, so I’ve always thought sunscreen was unnecessary. Turns out, I was wrong.
Even if you have darker skin and don’t burn easily, sunscreen is important. Skin cancer can appear anywhere on your body at any time, and it’s not just about sun exposure on already-tanned areas or being outdoors in direct sunlight. There are other ways to develop skin cancer besides regular sun exposure.
Melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, types of skin cancer that don’t show up on previously tanned areas, can often be linked to using tanning beds and indoor tanning devices. As Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist from New York City, points out, UV rays can even penetrate through glass, so it’s important to use sunscreen when you’re in the car or living in a city with tall buildings.
I’ve realized I’ve been missing out on this crucial knowledge all these years. I’m committed to wearing sunscreen from now on, regardless of how I look or how it smells. It’s not worth the risk!
During summer, it’s hard to avoid the sun. It’s great for relaxing in shaded spots, but protecting your skin with sunscreen is key. Without it, your skin risks burning and peeling from UV exposure. Sunscreen blocks most harmful rays, preventing them from reaching your skin. With plenty of options available, there’s something for everyone, including kids. If your children love outdoor sports or activities, it’s worth getting a safe and effective sunscreen made for both kids and adults. Experts suggest reapplying sunscreen every two hours.
Using sunscreen helps avoid sunburn, which leads to skin damage and peeling. If you skip it, you’ll end up tanning or burning. There are many fun and colorful sunscreen options that kids will enjoy. It’s best to use sunscreen regularly, especially when you’re outside for long periods in the summer. Don’t just apply it at the pool; use it while walking downtown or playing sports. Watch out for some companies putting chemicals in sunscreen that break down into toxic particles under certain light conditions. Always read the labels to ensure proper protection.
With summer in full swing and more people spending time outdoors, now’s the time to invest in good-quality sunscreen. Before heading to the store, check out our guide to understanding sun-protection products.
Sunscreens can be physical, chemical, or hybrids of both. Physical sunscreens sit on your skin’s surface and reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb them. Experts say neither outperforms the other, so it’s a personal choice depending on your lifestyle and skin type.
When shopping for sunscreen:
– Look for labels indicating “non-chemical” or “mineral” for physical sunscreens.
– Consider trying products like Dermalogica PowerBright TRx Pure Light SPF50 for hyperpigmentation or Bondi Sands Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF50+ for a nice texture.
For hybrids, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide often appears in ingredients lists. Try options like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Tinted SPF 50+ or Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF 30 Weightless Gel Skinscreen for lightweight coverage.
It’s best to choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30+ or higher. Here’s a breakdown of key sunscreen terms:
Sunlight has two harmful rays: UVA and UVB. Broad-spectrum sunscreen guards against both. Remember: UVA rays age us, while UVB rays burn us. UVA penetrates deeply, affecting the immune system, while UVB burns the skin’s surface, causing redness.
SPF measures how long it protects against UVB rays. For instance, SPF30 means it takes 30 times longer for your skin to burn compared to no sunscreen. If it takes 5 minutes to burn without protection, SPF30 extends it to 150 minutes.
The UV index indicates UV radiation intensity; a higher number means stronger UV. In New Zealand, the summer index can exceed 13. Use the SunSmart Health Protection Agency’s advice to protect yourself when the UV index is three or above.
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. You need to use at least a teaspoon per limb, the front and back of the body, face, neck, and ears. Complement sunscreen with protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by seeking shade when UV levels are high.
Early detection of skin cancer allows for more successful treatment. Check your skin regularly for new spots and changes to existing moles or freckles. Inspect hard-to-see areas, like the soles of your feet or under your nails, using a mirror for assistance.
Be alert for new moles or spots, changes in size, color, or texture, and any that bleed, itch, or otherwise look different from the rest.
