We all screen with sunscreen –to
keep from getting burned
Summertime and tanning is easy, unless
you are among the millions of people who burn after only a
few minutes in the sun. The only certain way to avoid sunburn
is to stay indoors. But when it’s fun in the sun you’re
after, sunscreen is essential.
What Causes Sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by a type of ultraviolet (UV) light known
as UVB, which can lead to skin
cancer.
While UVB is still responsible for much of the skin damage
caused by sunlight, especially sunburn, another ultraviolet
light – UVA-
may be an important factor in other types of sun damage.
The role of sunscreens is to absorb, reflect or scatter
damaging UV rays before they have a chance to interact with
the skin. Most sunscreens do a good job blocking UBV but
fewer filter UVA. When protecting
your skin, you need a product to block both UVA and
UVB rays.
What is SPF?
Protection is a combination of skin type and length of time
spent in the sun. This will tell you what SPF (sun protection factor)
sunscreen will best protect you from sunburn.
A sunscreen with an SPF of 10 should let you stay in the
sun 10 times longer than you could without sunscreen. That
means if you burn in 15 minutes, you should be able to stay
out 150 minutes (2.5 hours) without burning. Even with that
rule of thumb, experts warn to reapply sunscreen every 60-90
minutes or after being in the water.
Skin Types
According to the American Academy of Dermatology
(AAD), knowing your skin type is important when choosing a
sunscreen that will work best for you. There are 6 primary
skin types:
- Redheads with blue or gay eyes generally have Type 1 skin,
which burns and freckles but never tans. AAD recommends Type
1 people use a sunscreen with the highest SPF rating, as
should children.
- Type 2 skin – light blonds with blue or green eyes – eventually
develops a tan but always burns after 20-30 minutes in the
sun. Sunscreen with a high SPF (45) is recommended.
- People with Type 3 skin usually have dark blond or light
brown hair and blue, green or brown eyes. They can develop
a dark tan but will burn some, so they should begin with
a high SPF, at least 30.
- People with Type 4 skin normally have naturally dark complexions,
brown hair and eyes, and always tan dark brown. Even so,
they can burn and should use at least and SPF of 15 sunscreen.
- With Middle Eastern or Latin American ancestry, Type 5
skin rarely burns but should use a light sunscreen of SPF
4
- Type 6, with black hair and dark skin, almost never burns,
but play it safe and use a sunscreen of SPF 4.
Follow the Directions
To work efficiently, sunscreen must be
used as directed:
- Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going into the sun
so it can be absorbed by the skin and become less likely
to wash off when you perspire.
- Use 1 ounce of sunscreen, about enough to fill a shot glass,
to properly cover the exposed areas of your body.
- Apply sunscreen on all parts of your skin exposed to the
sun, including the ears, back, shoulders, the backs of your
knees & legs, and your feet. Don’t forget your
face, but be careful when applying sunscreen around the eyes
so you do not irritate them. And use a lip balm
with sunscreen.
- Reapply as often as directed, especially if you’re
going in and out of the water or sweating a lot. Even waterproof
sunscreen with wash off, and all sunscreen will rub off.
Resource: The American Academy of Dermatology; compiled by
Candy Goulette, ADVANCE.
Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in
Burbank, CA. She and her staff provide comprehensive
skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic
procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To
learn more about how to take care of your skin as well as the
most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation
with our cosmetic nurse. Check out our website for a
complete list of all our treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
