Using common sense and sunscreen regularly can win the battle

Regardless of your skin color, tanning ability or age, it’s recommended that everyone wear a sunscreen. Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays - ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays (which pass through glass windows) penetrate deeper into the dermis, the thickest layer of the skin. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system, which interferes with the immune system’s ability to protect you against the development and spread of cancer. The UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburn. The American Cancer Society says that more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. And, many studies have found an association between sunburns and enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest from of skin cancer.

Short of cancer, though, years of sun exposure gradually change our skin in ways that make us look, well, old. Yes, sunlight can promote premature aging of the skin, accelerate the natural aging processes, weakening collagen and causing the elastic fibers in our skin to uncoil like a worn-out bedspring. And then? Well, you know the rest. Your skin sags. Gravity takes over, the skin can’t hold out, so down it comes.

Sun exposure also dries out the skin and reduces its ability to hold moisture. The resulting lines and wrinkles sharpen the appearance of aging. And the cute, charming freckles that the sun brings out in childhood morph into the brown spots and discoloration that plague us as we get older.

So how can we use sunscreen to get the skin protection we need?

First, be sure you get the right product. There are so many types of sunscreen that selecting the right one can be quite confusing. Sunscreens are available in many forms including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays and sticks. The type of sunscreen you choose is a matter of personal choice. However, be sure you choose one that provides broad-spectrum coverage, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The worst sun damage comes from UVA rays. UVA has the longer wavelength, so it can penetrate deeper into the skin, causing the aging effects we associate with sun exposure. We now know that UVA exposure also blocks your skin’s natural repair mechanisms, so that previous damage and pre-cancers cannot be reversed. It’s UVA radiation that can give you a sunburn on a cloudy day - it travels right through the clouds.

Ideally, sunscreens should be water-resistant, so they cannot be easily removed by sweating or swimming, and should have at least 15 SPF, preferably 30 SPF.

Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. When using sunscreen, be sure to apply it to all exposed areas and pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands and arms. Coat the skin liberally and rub it in thoroughly. Most people only apply 25-30% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. One ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Don’t forget that lips get sunburned too, so apply a lip balm that contains an SPF of 15 or higher.

It’s best to purchase a new sunscreen yearly to insure effectiveness. Your skin-care professional can help you choose a sunscreen that’s right for you.