The Importance of Sunscreen: Myths vs. Facts

What is sunscreen:

Sunscreen protects your skin. These play an important role in preventing ultraviolet (UV) radiation from being absorbed by the skin. UV rays can damage your skin and cause sunburn, but with sunscreen you can stay outside for long periods of time before your skin turns red. 

What Sun Protection Factor (SPF) means: 

Most skin cancers are also caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The sun protection factor (SPF) on a sunscreen label is a measure of how well the sunscreen protects from UV rays. The higher the SPF value, the more effective the sunscreen is, and the higher the SPF value, the more effective it is at blocking UV rays. 

However, sunscreen cannot block all UV rays. Choosing a good sunscreen is important to protect your skin. 

Choose a sunscreen with the following features: 

Protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. 2SPF30 or higher. Water resistant or waterproof. This means that the sunscreen will protect you for a certain amount of time (40 or 80 minutes, depending on the label) while swimming or sweating. 

The best type of sunscreen is one that takes the precautions listed above. The type and brand you use is your choice. Keep in mind that sunscreens, such as lotions, creams, gels, ointments, and sunscreens, contain different ingredients. 

Avoid products that contain ingredients that can irritate your skin. Even if you use the , it often doesn’t cover enough or doesn’t apply well. This limits its usefulness. Apply sunscreen to the area. 

Ounces will cover your entire body. However, the amount may need to be adjusted depending on body size and body hair. 

Apply sunscreen to dry skin about 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or more often, after swimming or sweating. 

Protect your lips by applying a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Remember that children also need protection from the sun. Sunscreen is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics allows the use of sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months of age only if appropriate clothing and shade are not available. Parents should still try to keep young babies out of sunlight, especially direct sunlight. 

Dress your baby in light clothing that covers most of the skin’s surface area. Parents can also apply a small amount of sunscreen to exposed areas, such as the baby’s face and the backs of the hands. 

Don’t rely solely on sunscreen: 

It’s important to use sunscreen when you’re in the sun. But it’s only part of an overall plan to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. 

Other important ways to protect your skin are: 

Find shade if necessary. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. Wear a two-brim hat, tightly woven clothing that covers most of your skin, and sunglasses. 

Do not use tanning beds or sunlamps. 

Medical Reviewers:

L Renee Watson MSN RN 2Marianne Fraser MSN RN 3Michael Lehrer MD 

Melanoma begins in cells that produce melanin. Melanoma can occur anywhere in the body. It most commonly occurs on areas exposed to the sun, such as the back, legs, arms, and face. Melanoma can also occur in areas that are not often exposed to sunlight, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, and nail beds. These hidden melanomas are more common in people with darker skin, so sunscreen should be applied daily regardless of skin type. 

There are more ways to prevent skin cancer risk and aging than just wearing sunscreen every day. 

Wear protective clothing along with sunscreen. Try to cover your arms and legs as much as possible. Also, wear a hat and sunglasses. 

Avoid the sun during the day. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoiding the most intense sunlight will help prevent sunburns that cause skin damage.

Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds increase your risk of skin cancer. 

You can see the change when it blends into your skin. Inspect your skin frequently for new skin growth over existing moles, freckles, bumps, and birthmarks. 

You hope you can convince me to wear sunscreen year-round. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays should always be a top priority. It may seem like an inconvenience to worry about sun exposure every day, but it’s worth it in the long run. Dr. Kurtzman has his own broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 and recommends a proper skin care routine for him. Enjoy the outdoors, but don’t forget sunscreen!

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