Sunscreen needed to stop damage

Courtesy of the 27th Fighter Wing Health and Wellness Center

Summer fun usually means enjoying the great outdoors due to better weather and the increase of outdoor opportunities. However, New Mexico summer usually means being exposed to direct high elevation sunlight and harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation while enjoying those activities.

Though many of our best memories are made during “fun in the sun” activities, many are not left with great memories as their sun exposure caused the development of skin cancer.

While skin type helps determine how much protection is needed, the American Academy of Dermatology has found that minimal year-round protection needed for everyone is sun protection factor (SPF) 15. Highly sensitive skin types however, should use a higher SPF.

Many wonder if a higher SPF number means a proportionally higher protection.

SPF does not actually increase proportionately with the SPF number.

A 50 percent increase in SPF numbers will not equate to a 50 percent higher protection, but it is recommended that highly sensitive skin types use the highest SPF sunscreen they can find for year long use.

Everyone should use sunscreen every day, all year round, if they will be in the sun more than twenty continuous minutes. Sunscreens can be applied under makeup.

Used on a regular basis, sunscreens actually allow some repair of damaged skin.

The sun’s reflective powers are great – 17 percent on sand and 80 percent on snow – so don’t reserve the use of these products only for sunny summer days. Even on a cloudy day, 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds.

Yearly Sun Safety Tips:

— Seek shade, especially during the sun's peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

— Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher.

— Cover up with clothing, especially a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

— Avoid using tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices such as rub on creams or artificial lighting.

— Keep newborns out of direct sunlight.

— Most sunscreens can be used on infants that are over the age of six months.

— Teach children good sun-protective practices.

— Examine skin from head to toe once a month.

— Have a professional skin examination annually.

— Avoid tanning and especially – do not burn! One blistering sunburn doubles the risk of melanoma.