"Over time, sun exposure puts you at a higher risk of DNA mutation which could ultimately lead to skin cancer," says Dr. Ariel Ostad, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. "Ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate the skin causing tanned skin, hyper-pigmentation, freckles, sunspots, moles or actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches), all signs of damage." Protecting yourself from the sun is serious business and it's crucial to take the following steps to make sure you get it right.
The Golden Rules of Protection
- Choose an SPF 30 broad spectrum sunblock. It shields you from 98 percent of UVB rays. Higher SPFs are a marketing ploy and will not protect you more.
- Check the ingredients and read the label. Look for a broad-spectrum product --it will say it right on the label--to protect you from the aging UVA rays as well as the burning UVB ones. Dr. Ostad likes those formulated with physical screens like micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide over the chemical blockers such as avobenzone and oxybenzone. Besides being effective immediately upon application, they're less prone to cause breakouts.
- Avoid extended periods of sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
- Apply sun protection at least every two hours, more often if you've gone swimming, exercised or toweled off.
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas including the lips and ears.
- Don a wide brimmed, tightly woven hat to further shield your face and eyes.
- Choose sunglasses with UV protection. Generously-sized wraparounds are the best choice.
On the flip side, recent research suggests some unprotected time in the sun is necessary. When UVB rays his the skin, the skin cells make vitamin D, an important nutrient that may protect against osteoporosis, heart disease and certain cancers. You can also get this nutrient by increasing your dietary intake of it. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish and fortified milk. So how much unprotected exposure do you really need to generate enough Vitamin D to stay healthy? Ostad says, "just 15 minutes a day is enough to get the job done. Shun the sun the rest of the time."
Sunburn Soothers
- Take one aspirin a day for its' anti-inflammatory properties. *Does not apply to children.
- Take a cool shower or gently ice the burned area to cool down the skin.
- Use a mild over-the-counter cortisone cream to minimize swelling.
- Keep the area well moisturized.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
