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Tips on Sun Protection - All Year Round

Although the gentle winter rays are starting to show, sun protection should not fade away with the blazing summer sun. It has been estimated that 80% of UV rays are not blocked by clouds, so sun sense is important all year round. Furthermore, most of our lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18, so teaching good habits to children will make a difference in prevention of skin cancer. Luckily, a few simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce sun exposure risks.

Sunscreen or Sunblock

There are two types of UV rays. UVA rays age the skin (and forms wrinkles) and cause skin cancer. UVB rays tan or burn the skin. Most of us use some type of sunscreen and are familiar with the term Sun Protection Factor (SPF). However, what many do not realize is SPF only relates to UVB rays and not UVA. Because of loose FDA regulations, many sunscreens CLAIM to block both UVA and UVB but actually do not block the full spectrum of UVA - just some. To ensure that you and your family are getting full sun protection:

• Ingredient list must include one of the following to provide greater UVA protection:
  • Zinc Oxide
  • Titanium Dioxide
  • Avobenzolene (or Parsol 1789)
  Zinc and Titanium Dioxide are physical blockers, which are good for children and people with sensitive skin. Avobenzolene is a chemical agent that is less greasy and more easily integrated in cosmetics and other skin products but is generally more irritating to the skin.
• Look for products with SPF 15 or greater. Do not be misled in thinking that SPF 45-50 offers 3x more protection! SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks only 4% more (or 97% of rays).
• Apply liberally and reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating. Studies show that most people do not apply enough which reduces the amount of protection.
• Lips can burn too so remember to treat lips with SPF lip balm

There are many different formulations and brands of sunscreen available - creamy, light, perfumed or fragrance free. As long as it has the necessary active ingredients, the rest is based on preference.

Covering Up with Clothing

Clothing that covers up the most skin is preferable but weave and color are important as well. Most people are surprised to learn that a normal white T-shirt only offers the equivalent protection of SPF 5. In general:

• Darker colors absorb more harmful UV rays than light colors.
• Choose fabrics with tight weaves. Hold up the clothing toward a light source - if you can see visible light come through, invisible UV rays will as well.

Several companies now offer clothing designed for effective sun protection as well as a laundry additive that washes the SPF protection directly into your clothes.

Wear a Hat

Hats protect the head, ears, neck and eyes, all areas that are often neglected by other sun protection. Choose a hat with at least a 3 inch brim all around. Baseball caps will shade the face but not the neck or ears.

Put on Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect the eyes, the surrounding sensitive skin and reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration in mature adults. Children are particularly vulnerable to UV damage because their lenses are clear until age 10 or so. Most sunglasses, even the inexpensive ones, offer both UVA and UVB protection. The style is a matter of personal preference.

Stay in the Shade

Avoid outdoor activities between the hours of 10am to 4pm - which is simple for working adults but hard for children. Thus, look for shade whenever possible or bring your own shade to the park or beach.

Eat some Sun Protection

Recent scientific tests reveal that food high in antioxidants can increase the resistance the body has to UV rays. Some of these trials are small in scale but these foods have shown other helpful health benefits so there is probably little harm in trying them.

• Lycopene, the antioxidant in tomatoes, have shown to reduce sensitivity to sunburns. Fresh and processed tomato products are both rich in lycopene
• Pomegranate extracts appear to increase resistance in cells exposed to UV rays
• Drinking green tea may help prevent sunburns and precancerous cell mutations
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon reduced signs of UV damage in cells

 

1. Information obtained from "Eat Smart" by Jean Carper in July 21-23, 2006 of USA Weekend.

Disclaimer: By providing this Information, OrganicPicks neither can nor intend to control the method or manner by which you use, handle, store or transport products described herein. You should obtain and review the available material safety information provided by the manufacturer of any product described herein before handling any of the products presented on this website.

 

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