Overview
Years of exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays cause external signs of aging such as wrinkles, age spots and leathery skin. Sun exposure also increases your risk for skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) indicates that more than 90 percent of incidences of skin cancer occur on sun-exposed skin. Understanding what protects your skin from the sun is key to reducing signs of extrinsic aging–and protecting your health.
What’s in a Tan?
The attractive tan you’re sporting is your skin’s cry for help. When exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, your skin increases melanin (pigment) production. As your skin tans, as it simultaneously defends itself against sunburn. The amount of melanin your skin produces is genetically determined, says the Mayo Clinic. People who don’t produce enough melanin burn easily.
Sunscreen
Topical sunscreen is an important component of sun protection, says the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. However, sunscreens must be used properly. Apply at least an ounce to cover all body parts exposed to the sun. Pay attention to your ears, lips, nose, nape, hairline and tops of the feet. If you are balding, apply sunscreen to the scalp. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied frequently–every two hours, or after you get out of the water, sweat profusely or wipe off.
Choosing a Sunscreen
Mayo Clinic experts state that sunscreens offer either physical or chemical protection, depending on the active ingredients in the product. Physical sunscreens create a barrier on your skin that protects it from UV rays; these may contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays before they result in skin damage. Mayo Clinic experts indicate that often chemical sunscreens contain more than one ingredient for better protection. Look for ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzoner or mexoryl.
Understanding SPF
Your sunscreen’s sunburn protection factor (SPF) matters. Depending on the authoritative source consulted, the recommended SPF varies. The Mayo Clinic recommends an SPF of at least 15 and the AAD an SPF of at least 30. The FDA advises a SPF of 15 for people with darker skin, but an SPF of 30 for fair-skinned people. All agree that a higher SPF is best. Many mistakenly think that a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 permits them to stay in the sun 15 times longer than they normally would without burning, but this is not true, says the FDA. An SPF of 15 may allow you to stay outside for one hour at nine a.m. but only 15 minutes a one p.m., when the sun’s rays peak. The FDA concludes that SPF should not be relied on to determine how long you can safely stay outdoors, defining it as a “relative measure of the amount of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens.”
Other Sun Protection Tips
The AAD advises planning outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and after four p.m. Clothing with a tight weave offers additional sun protection, as does a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with built-in UV protection. Skin can burn even on overcast days. Take particular care when around reflective ground surfaces, such as water, snow and sand. Finally, avoid tanning beds–these are just as damaging as sunlight.
About this Author
Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She’s worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.
