Sun Protection

Skin Cancer Prevention

Sun exposure is a normal consequence of healthy outdoor activity. Here are some ways to enjoy the outdoors while still protecting your skin from ultraviolet light damage, sunburn, wrinkling and skin cancer.

Avoid the mid-day sun.

Damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest at the noon hour. Schedule outdoor activities before 10AM or after 4PM and stay in the shade if possible.

Don’t rely on the weather reports.

Damaging UV rays can be strong even on cloudy days. Some types of UV rays, particularly those that are attributed to aging, can penetrate car window glass, so commuters can accumulate significant sun damage without being aware of it. Clear UV blocking films can be applied to your car windows. One example can be found at here.

Wear broad spectrum sunscreens of SPF 30 or higher every day

Many people avoid applying products that they dislike the feel of, so try out various lotions, gels, sprays, sticks or even cloth wipes to find a product that you like and will apply often. If you have sensitive skin, try zinc oxide or titanium dioxide ingredients.

Apply sunscreen thickly

When most of us apply sunscreens, we apply only one third to one half of what is required to reach the labeled SFP value. One ounce (about a shot glass full) is required to cover your whole body.

Don’t forget the tricky spots

Many people forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of their ears and the back of the neck where many skin cancers arise.

Reapply sunscreens often

Many sunscreens lose their efficacy after 2-3 hours. Newer, photo-stabilized sunscreens offer 4-5 hours of protection. All sunscreens, even the longer-acting ones, should be reapplied after swimming or heavy outdoor activity and sweating.

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes and prevent UV-induced cataracts.

Wear protective clothing and broad-brimmed hats

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants can often be equally as comfortable as skimpier outfits. Darker colors and tightly-woven fabrics are the most effective in blocking UV rays. Rit Sun Guard is a useful and inexpensive laundry rinse that adds UV blocking ability to your clothes. Some clothing comes with UPF rating (www.coolibar.com) that stands for “Ultraviolet Protection Factor.” This measures the ability of the fabric to block UV radiation. A fabric with UPF 15 only allows 1/15th (6.66%) of the UV radiation to penetrate your skin as compared to uncovered skin. Avoid remaining in wet clothes because wet fabric may allow more UV rays to penetrate the skin.

Wear lip balm with an SPF 30 of higher

For cosmetics, tinted lip balms or lipsticks contain SFP 30 and offer adequate protection.

Introduce safe sun habits to children

Introduce safe sun habits to your children at a young age and model these behaviors for them. Enlist their help in applying sunscreen, encourage sunglasses and engage in sun protective activities.

Ask your primary care doctor about dietary sources of Vitamin D

Ask your primary care doctor about dietary sources of Vitamin D and Vitamin D supplementation. Don’t rely on sun exposure to protect your bones.

Watch your medicines

Some drugs can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Ask your doctor if any of your medications cause sun sensitivity and increase your sun protection accordingly.

Is Your sunscreen really doing its job?

We can all relate to the fact that sunblock has indeed become a way of life. We take time to slather on sunscreen because we want to protect ourselves and our children from a largely preventable, but dangerous skin cancer. Much of the information available regarding sunscreen is often confusing for consumers. Clever marketing and misleading explanations often mask the truth about sunscreen, and what makes it truly effective.

What is Broad Spectrum Protection?

Sun protection products sold in the US reference an SPF rating whereas other countries have a rating system that relates to UVA and UVB protection. A UVA and UVB combined ranking system refers to a product’s ability to protect against the whole spectrum of UV Rays. This type of protection is known as Broad Spectrum Protection.

Since our country’s rating system is not all encompassing, one must look at the ingredients of a sunscreen and check out the wavelengths that they either repel or absorb to evaluate its effectiveness. At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, we can help by looking at your sunscreen during your next office visit. On our website you will also find the sunscreen products we recommend for our patients, which, by the way, are also the only ones we use for our own families.

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Sun Protection

Sun Protection

Skin Cancer Prevention

Avoid the mid-day sun.

Don’t rely on the weather reports.

Wear broad spectrum sunscreens of SPF 30 or higher every day

Apply sunscreen thickly

Don’t forget the tricky spots

Reapply sunscreens often

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses

Wear protective clothing and broad-brimmed hats

Wear lip balm with an SPF 30 of higher

Introduce safe sun habits to children

Ask your primary care doctor about dietary sources of Vitamin D

Watch your medicines

Is Your sunscreen really doing its job?

What is Broad Spectrum Protection?

Your Skin is Our Business.

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Your Skin is Our Business.