(Image source: skincancer.org)
Who should use sunscreen?
Everyone should use sunscreen! Although people with darker skin tones have some built-in protection, it isn’t enough. Everyone needs to be protected from the harmful rays of the sun, everyday.
How does sunscreen work?
Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals and minerals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
What is the difference between the rays?
Sunlight has of two types of harmful rays– ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Overexposure to either can lead to skin cancer. In addition to causing skin cancer, here’s what each of these rays do:
- UVA rays – UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, and can pass through window glass. Tinted automobile windows do not protect you.
- UVB rays – UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn. Unfortunately, there is no safe way to tan. Every time you tan, you damage your skin. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for all types of skin damage
So when should I use sunscreen?
Every morning! Reapply ever 1-2 hours with extended exposure. Use it more frequently when swimming or excessive sweating. Don’t forget, the sun emits harmful rays YEAR round! Even on those cloudy days, harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin.
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