Five Ways to Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer

By Sheryl Kraft | July 12, 2011

We may be celebrating the return of summer after a long, harsh winter, so, we need to care for our skin. And now, with improved labeling laws, it’s easier to stay safe and reduce our risk of cancer, early skin aging, and painful sunburn.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, according to the American Cancer Society, and is responsible for nearly half of all malignancies in Americans. There will be more than two million people with non-melanoma skin cancers each year; and over 70,000 people with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

1. Protect your skin with more than just sunscreen. It’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against ultraviolet A and B, or UVA and UVB rays, and remember to include clothing in your arsenal as well. Cover your head with a broad-brimmed hat, protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses, and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are especially vulnerable to sunburn or plan to stay out in the sun for extended periods. An umbrella works well at the beach, but remember that it, like water, reflects the rays of the sun and may not offer total protection.
2. Watch the clock. The sun is most intense between the hours of 10AM and 4PM. Try to avoid exposure during these times. If you’re shadow is shorter than you are, seek the shade. It’s not only the summer months that pose a threat: you also need to apply sunscreen during the winter months.
3. Choose your SPF (skin protection factor) wisely. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. New FDA rules say that sunscreens that protect against both ultraviolet A rays (UVA) and ultraviolet B rays (UVB) – both culprits in skin cancer, sunburn, and aging – can be labeled “Broad Spectrum.” These new rules also require sunscreens to have an SPF of at least 15 or more to be able to claim that they prevent sunburn. The new FDA labeling laws go even further to help protect consumers: If a sunscreen is not broad spectrum or is a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of less than 15, it will have to carry a warning saying the product has not been found to prevent skin cancer or early aging.
4. Once is not enough. It’s best to apply the sunscreen to dry skin at least one-half hour before going out, and reapply it frequently, at least every two hours. And don’t be skimpy; it’s been found that most people underestimate the amount they need and apply only 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount. Thoroughly rub in one ounce, which is about two tablespoons, or enough to fill a shot glass, to your entire body each time, paying particular attention to your face, tops of ears, hands, and arms. Sunscreens are not totally waterproof or sweat-proof. You need to re-apply them after swimming or excessive sweating. Under the new labeling laws, the amount of time the product remains effective must be stated on the label: they can claim to be water-resistant for 40 to 80 minutes.
5. Read the label. Ingredients to look for to ensure broad-spectrum coverage include Avobenzone, Cinoxate, Ecamsule, Menthyl anthranilate, Octyl methoxycinnamate, Octyl salicylate, Oxybenzone, Sulisobenzone, Titanium dioxide, and Zinc oxide.

You can manage your skin successfully and keep it healthy. Continue to learn new information about sunscreens and other ways to protect your skin.