How often should I be using sunscreen? What do the different SPFs on the label mean?
— Anonymous
With temperatures rising, it is hard not to spend more time outside. Protecting your skin is a must, though, since ultraviolet (UV) rays can have many negative effects including various skin cancers and premature aging of the skin.
“Because we live in Southern California, you want to have sunscreen all year,” Dori Rosengerg, a health outreach coordinator at Student Health Services, said. “Even if it is cloudy outside, the UV rays will go right through the atmosphere.”
Sunscreen tends to wear off after two hours, so reapply often. If you go in the water, reapply it after you get out. Also, put it on at least 15 minutes before you go outside since it takes a while to sink in and really be effective.
You might worry about not being able to tan if you wear sunscreen every day. However, it is impossible to block all the rays needed to get a tan if you spend some amount of time in the sunlight everyday.
“Even if you wear sunscreen with a high SPF, you are not going to get 100-percent protection since you are still going to get some exposure to UV rays,” Rosenberg said. “We are out so much in the sun here in San Diego that it does not matter if we wear sunscreen everyday — we will still get a tan.”
It is also a good idea to wear sunscreen on your lips, since they are a very sensitive part of your body. There are a lot of moisturizing and cosmetic lipsticks available with SPF.
Here is the American Academy of Dermatology’s guide to choosing the best sunscreen.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
Use at least an SPF 15 sunscreen every day, since that number would block most of the sun’s rays. However, if you will be out in the sun for more than an hour, use an SPF 30. If you will be sweating a lot, you may want to use an SPF 30 on your face no matter what, because the sweat will quickly thin the sunscreen down to the equivalent of SPF 15. Anything less than SPF 15 will not adequately protect your skin.
PABA or PABA-free
PABA (short for para-aminobenzoic acid) is used in many sunscreens. It works well, but some people are allergic to it, which is why sunscreens are available PABA free.
Broad spectrum
The sun shoots off two different rays that affect your skin: UVA and UVB. UVA rays make your skin wrinkle and may cause skin cancer. UVB rays burn. A broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect your skin from both rays.
Waterproof
Waterproof sunscreens are not just important when you are swimming and surfing — they also stay on longer when you sweat. If you are active in or out of the water, a waterproof product may be right for you.
Lotion, cream or gel
The type of sunscreen you choose depends on which you like best. You may want to use a cream on your face, since gels can sting around your eyes. If you have acne, try a light-texture sunscreen first. If waterproof sunscreen causes breakouts, re-apply regular sunscreen more often, instead.
Student Health Advocates will be holding a Wellness Event on Library Walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 26. Stop by the tables for free sunscreen samples and other health-related information and giveaways. To get more information on sunscreen, visit the American Academy of Dermatology online at http://www.aad.org. If you notice any irregularities in your skin or want a skin consultation, call Student Health Services at (858) 534- 8089 for an appointment.
