Skin Safety in the Sun

  • Published
  • By Kelly Suggs
  • Health Education Program Manager
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body? Its jobs include protection, defense and temperature regulation. It acts to keep minerals, vitamins, hormones, proteins, heat and fluids in, while keeping out heat, cold, germs, insects, dirt, water, gases and ultraviolet rays. For an organ with such a valiant statement of work, it requires very little from us, aside from good nutrition and protection from sun exposure.

We do need small amounts (about 15 minutes) of unprotected sun each day. This enables us to synthesize vitamin D on our own. Beyond that, our skin needs protection. The best ways to provide that protection are to stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (when the sun is at its strongest), wear tight knitted or Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, protection clothing, a hat that covers the nose and ears and polarized sunglasses. If you are out, uncovered and can't avoid the sun, don't forget sunscreen -- and a lot of it.

Sunscreen is rarely used the way it was intended. For the best protection, here are a few tips that will help you get the most from your sunscreen: 

· The American Cancer Society recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. 

· Sunscreen must be reapplied after swimming, sweating or towel drying (even if the sunscreen says "waterproof" or "sweat proof"). 

· Don't be fooled by terms such as "all day protection" and "water proof." All sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours (or more, depending on your activity level). 

· SPF represents the protection you receive against UVB rays only. UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburns (think B=burn). UVA rays have longer wavelengths and are deeper penetrating the UVB. UVA can damage skin's connective tissue and lead to premature aging and wrinkles. 

· Apply sunscreen liberally to your entire body before getting dressed and before being exposed to the sun. Liberal application that covers all of your skin, including along the edges of bathing suits and clothing, ears, eyelids, necks and noses is even more important than choosing a high SPF. 

· Wearing SPF doesn't make you invincible; it just prolongs the amount of time you can be in the sun without burning. For example, if you were to be in the sun for 10 minutes, an SPF of 15 would make it possible for you to be in the sun 15 times longer without burning (as long as proper reapplication procedures are followed). 

· Always use an SPF of at least 15, but higher then 50 is not recommended as the amount of protection does not increase significantly. 

· If you are concerned about what might be in your sunscreen, look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide. They provide the best protection from UVA and UVB rays and are safe for all ages and skin types.

If you follow these simple guidelines, your skin will enjoy a nice long summer and will be protected for years to come.