Sunscreen and a Hat...
Sunscreen is simple. There will always be times when we are out in the sun without adequate shade or cover-up clothing. This is when sunscreen is useful for protecting our exposed skin from the sun's rays by filtering out the burning UVB.
We should never use sunscreen in order to spend longer in the sun. It should be used to increase our protection.
Wear a high Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher. This gives the best balance between protection and price. The higher the factor the more protection you get from burning, but higher factor sunscreens tend to be more expensive. With SPF 15, you will get over 90 per cent protection from UVB rays whilst above SPF 30 there is no significant increase in protection.
Make sure, it is broad spectrum, water resistant and within it’s use-by-date.
Most research has found that people apply only half the thickness required and that key exposed sites (neck, temples, and ears) are often missed completely so apply generously 15-30 min before you go out and every 2 hours after that, according to the instructions.
And remember that no sunscreen - no matter how high the factor - can offer 100 per cent protection. So stay out of the midday sun and wear clothing wherever possible. Loose clothing, good quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are all important. Remember that even your eyelids and surrounding are vulnerable to skin cancer, so a wide-brimmed hat will reduce UV radiation reaching your face and eyes by over 50 percent.
Finally, last but not least remember that children are more vulnerable than you. Extra precaution should be taken with their delicate skin as it is easily burnt and this can lead to their risk of Melanoma doubling in later life. Keep babies out of the Sun and by following the simple measures above you should be able to enjoy this summer while keeping your skin healthy and protected from the sun!
Michael Shaw
ChristianToday Medical Correspondent
