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Fun in the Sun. By Our Student Pharmacist, Madison Price.

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It’s beginning to warm up and that means spending more time outdoors. Spending time outside is a great way to eliminate stress and get some vitamin D. During this time, it is especially important to protect your skin from excess sun exposure.

The sun emits two forms of radiation: UVA and UVB rays.

UVA ray exposure contributes to premature skin aging and sun damage such as wrinkles, sagging, and leathery skin.

UVB rays are more responsible for sunburns.

Easy ways to prevent UV damage to your skin barrier include:

  • wear protecting clothing
  • apply/reapply sunscreen
  • avoid being outdoors when the UV rays are at their strongest (between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm).

UV Protection Basics

For starters, reduce your risk of sun damage by spending time outdoors under an umbrella or in a shaded area. Additionally, use protective clothing such as a wide brimmed hat with long sleeves and long pants if possible. If long sleeved clothing isn’t an option, be sure to pack a t-shirt or a cover up for your next trip to the beach. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

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Let’s Talk Sunscreen

There are an abundance of sunscreen products available today. SPF 15, 30, 45, 100!

What exactly does this mean?

SPF stands for sun protection factor and works by extending your skin’s natural barrier against the sun’s rays. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen would provide approximately 15 times more sun protection than your body without sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is a good start and covers both UVA and UVB rays.

Keep in mind, sunscreen does wear off over time with sweat and water from the pool or ocean. It is important to reapply sun protection every two hours after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

There are a variety of sunscreen products available, some formulated for the face and body.

Sunscreen can be divided into two main categories, physical and chemical sunscreen.

So what’s the difference between the two?

Chemical sunscreens have organic compounds such as avobenzene, octobenzene, and octocrylene that act as a sponge, absorbing UV rays so your skin doesn’t have to. These products are often easy to apply and do not leave a white cast. Individuals with sensitive skin may experience occasional redness or irritation with chemical sunscreens.

Physical or mineral sunscreens include inorganic compounds such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that serves as a barrier to reflect harmful UVB rays. Physical sunscreens may be white in color, may require longer time to rub into the skin, and may leave a white cast on individuals with a darker complexion. Today, there are some physical sunscreens with tinted zinc oxide that eliminate that white cast.

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How to Apply Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow the product ample time to blend into the skin. The average adult needs approximately one ounce of sunscreen for their entire body, or the equivalency of a shot glass to cover the body head to toe. Don’t forget the ears, nose, lips (there are several lip balm brands with SPF available), back of the neck, and the top of the head in balding individuals.

Did you know that certain medications make your skin sensitive to the sun?  A few medications include:

  • Accutane
  • Retinol
  • Bactrim

When using these products and medications, always remember to apply sunscreen!

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References

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/sunsafeselfie/index.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/physical-vs-chemical-sunscreen

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-spf-should-i-use#understanding-spf

 

 

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