{"id":1299,"date":"2023-02-11T14:26:06","date_gmt":"2023-02-11T14:26:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/students\/?page_id=1299"},"modified":"2023-10-20T14:27:49","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T14:27:49","slug":"sun-protection-how-to-protect-yourself","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/students\/student-wellness-resources\/sun-safety-and-skin-cancer-prevention\/sun-protection-how-to-protect-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"Sun Protection: How to Protect Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"

-Provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Cover It Up<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Clothing<\/a>\u00a0can provide a great barrier against the sun\u2019s\u00a0ultraviolet (UV) rays<\/a>. Its protection is consistent over time and doesn\u2019t wear off like sunscreen does. Many new fabrics offer high-tech protection and breathability, too. The more skin you cover (high neck, long sleeves, pants), the better, and a hat with a wide brim all the way around (three inches or more) is best because it helps shade your eyes, ears, face and neck. Also wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does UPF mean?<\/strong>\u00a0Look for UPF, which stands for ultraviolet protection factor, on labels for clothing, hats and fabrics. The number indicates what fraction of the sun\u2019s UV rays can penetrate the fabric. A shirt labeled UPF 50, for example, allows just 1\/50th of the UV radiation to reach your skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pitfall:<\/strong> Any clothing leaves some skin exposed, so you need sunscreen, too. Don\u2019t forget to apply it to your hands, especially after washing them.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Know Your Sunscreen<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Sunscreens<\/a> come in many formulations and delivery methods, and it can take trial and error to find the one you like best. Whether it\u2019s a sport spray, an easy-to-use stick or a rich moisturizer with anti-aging ingredients, the best sunscreen is the one you will use every day.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"understanding_sunscreen\"<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Broad spectrum.<\/strong> The words \u201cbroad spectrum\u201d on a label indicate that the sunscreen contains ingredients that effectively protect against UVA rays as well as UVB. It\u2019s essential for your sunscreen to offer broad spectrum protection, which means that it offers effective protection against both<\/em>\u00a0UVA<\/strong>\u00a0(ultraviolet A)<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0UVB\u00a0<\/b>(ultraviolet B)<\/a>\u00a0rays, the solar wavelengths proven to damage the skin. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB, and are the chief cause of wrinkles, sagging and other signs of aging. UVB rays damage the skin\u2019s upper surface and are the main cause of\u00a0sunburn<\/a>. Both cause skin cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2. Sun Protection Factor (SPF):<\/strong>\u00a0SPF<\/a> is a measure of how long a person can stay in the sun before its UVB rays start to burn the skin.\u00a0 SPF stands for sun protection factor.\u00a0<\/strong>The number tells you how long the sun\u2019s UVB rays would take to redden your skin when using a particular sunscreen compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. So if you use an SPF 15 product exactly as directed (applied generously and evenly, and reapplied after two hours or after sweating or swimming), it would take you 15 times longer to burn than if you weren\u2019t wearing sunscreen.. In the real world, no matter what the SPF, sunscreens start to lose effectiveness over time, so it\u2019s important to reapply every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating. Also note that above SPF 50 the amount of additional sun protection is negligible. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends always using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher \u2013 SPF 30 or higher for extended stays outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Water resistance.<\/strong><\/b>While sunscreens can\u2019t claim to be waterproof, they can be labeled water resistant for either 40 or 80 minutes. Yes, you can burn even when you\u2019re in the water, so reapplying is key! Water-resistant: The terms \u201cwater-resistant\u201d and \u201csweat-resistant\u201d indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when you are swimming or sweating. Since no sunscreen is fully \u201cwaterproof\u201d or \u201csweatproof,\u201d the FDA prohibits these terms.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation<\/strong>: Look for our Seal to assure yourself that a product is safe and effective. \u00a0Scientific data for each product that is submitted for the\u00a0Seal of Recommendation<\/a>\u00a0is reviewed by a volunteer committee of renowned photobiologists \u2014 experts in the study of the interaction of ultraviolet radiation and the skin.\u00a0The Daily Use Seal<\/strong>\u00a0is earned by sunscreens that protect against brief everyday sun exposures, the kind you experience walking to the car or running errands. The\u00a0Active Seal<\/strong>\u00a0is earned by sunscreens that protect against prolonged sun exposure, like when you\u2019re exercising outdoors or spending the day at the beach.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Active ingredients<\/b>: This area of the label, often on the back of the bottle, lists the main ingredients in sunscreens that protect your skin against UV rays. There are two main types of active\u00a0sunscreen ingredients<\/a>: chemical and physical. Chemical ingredients such as avobenzone and benzophenone, work by\u00a0absorbing<\/i>\u00a0UV like a sponge, reducing its penetration into the skin, whereas physical ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide stay on top of the skin and\u00a0deflect<\/i>\u00a0UV rays like a shield. Many sunscreens available today combine chemical and physical ingredients.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Note for those with sensitive skin: <\/strong>Products containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sometimes referred to as mineral or physical formulas, may be less likely to cause skin irritation in people who have sensitive skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Caution:<\/strong>\u00a0Most people don\u2019t apply sunscreen exactly as directed. They may not apply it liberally enough, might miss spots and may forget to reapply regularly. Slather it on!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Seek the Seal<\/strong>: The bottom line is that you need several types of sun protection to safeguard your skin. It takes a village! Many products that meet stringent criteria for safe and effective UV protection have earned The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation. Look for clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreens, moisturizers, cosmetics, awnings, umbrellas, window film and more that carry the Seal. Search\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Skin<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Skin Cancer Foundation advises everyone to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

<\/h3>\n

Look Out for Windows<\/span><\/h3>\n

While glass blocks UVB rays pretty well, it allows UVA rays to pass through. This is true of your windows at home as well as on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

Car windshields are treated to shield drivers from most UVA rays, but side, back and sunroof windows usually aren\u2019t. When you\u2019re in your car, protect yourself and your family with hats, clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, whatever it takes. Another option is to have UV-protective\u00a0window film<\/a>\u00a0applied to windows, in your car or at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

The windows on airplanes, trains and buses also allow UVA rays to pass through. That\u2019s why airline pilots, crew members and even frequent travelers may get more skin cancers than other people.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pitfall:\u00a0<\/strong>You need to plan ahead before traveling and make sure you have sunscreen on and protective clothing with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Say No to Tanning Beds<\/span><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s simple:\u00a0<\/strong>Don\u2019t use a tanning bed \u2014 ever. Indoor tanning (even one time) raises the risk of all kinds of skin cancer, including melanoma. In fact, using a tanning bed before age 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 75 percent.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pitfall:\u00a0<\/strong>While a number of states have implemented laws prohibiting minors under a certain age (varying from 18 to 14) from using tanning beds, or requiring parental consent, other states have not restricted access. Peer pressure to be tan can affect your better judgment at any age. Say no!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Early Detection Starts with You<\/span><\/h3>\n

Using sun protection consistently from an early age is the strongest defense against developing skin cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

No person or method is perfect, though, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that all adults do\u00a0monthly skin self-exams<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0see a dermatologist annually<\/a>, or more frequently if they see something suspicious or have risk factors. Learn more about\u00a0early detection<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n