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Sun Protection Basics

Contributed by: Nicholas Gallinger, Pharm.D. Candidate

KU School of Pharmacy

Text Box: Why do we need protection from the sun? Avoiding a stinging sunburn isn’t the only reason to protect yourself from the sun. The ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun can damage your skin year round. UV rays damage all of the exposed parts of your body including your eyes, lips, eyelids, and the rest of the skin on your body. Each time we expose ourselves to the sun we increase the risk for skin cancer. When that exposure is prolonged and leads to sunburn or even a blistering sunburn the chance for skin cancer down the road increases. Everyone is at risk for skin cancer. People that burn easily or have light complexions are at the greatest risk, but even people with dark complexions that rarely burn can develop skin cancer. Protecting yourself from UV rays starting in early childhood and continuing for your entire lifetime is the best prevention. How do I protect myself? If you are planning an extended day out in the sun whether it be at the beach, the park or on the ski slopes you need to plan sun protection as well. Limiting your exposure to the sun during the middle of the day, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, is a good start. Wearing protective clothing such as long pants and shirts as well as a wide brimmed hat will get most of your body covered. You should also wear a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Staying in the shade of an umbrella for

Text Box: most of the day would be a good protection option. When enjoying winter activities such as sledding, skiing, or snowboarding make sure to wear sunscreen on your face and any other exposed skin, the snow can amplify the sun’s damaging rays. For those areas of skin that your clothing does not cover The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Don’t forget about the tops of your feet, your nose, your ears, or your hands. What does SPF mean? Sun protection factor or SPF is the amount of time it takes your skin to redden when wearing sunscreen as compared to if you were not wearing sunscreen. SPF 15 allows you to stay in the sun fifteen times longer before burning. What is the best way to use sunscreen? Use a SPF of 15 or higher. For people more prone to burning a higher SPF might be necessary. Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly anywhere your skin is exposed. Even your scalp if you have male pattern baldness or thinning hair. Reapply frequently. The Skin care foundation recommends every 2 hours and after each time you go swimming. Even if the product is waterproof. Choose a sun care product that is

Text Box: appealing to you. There are many products from lotions to lip balms that provide SPF 15. Don’t depend on sunscreen alone remember to limit sun exposure in the middle of the day. Wear protective hats and clothing. Some medications such as certain antibiotics, acne medications, and many more can increase your susceptibility to sunburns. Watch for warning stickers on your prescriptions. And ask your physician or pharmacists if you have questions. Where do I look for more information? The American Academy of Dermatology has a website with links to all sorts of valuable information. www.skincarephysicians.com The Skin Cancer Foundation. www.skincancer.org Sun Safety for Kids. www.sunsafetyforkids.org Check the back of your sunscreen bottle for a website. Sunscreen companies provide information about sun protection as well.