Be Smart in the Arizona Sun
Summer is just around the corner, which means it's time to take extra precautions against the sun's harmful effects. The staff at Verde Valley Urgent Care wants everyone to understand the dangers of the Arizona sun, as well as how to choose the right kind of sunscreen and use it correctly to protect yourself from skin cancer.
UVA is strongly associated with tanning, wrinkles, and melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer). UVB is closely associated with sunburn and basal and squamous cell carcinoma (two other types of skin cancer). Whether you're fair-skinned and freckly or dark-skinned and not prone to burning easily, it’s important to take precautions. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself against skin cancer.
Sunscreen basics
- UVB rays are more intense during the summer and cause tans and sunburns. UVA rays are the same intensity year-round and unlike UVB rays, penetrate deep into the skin's layers. For maximum sun protection against the risk of skin cancer, your sunscreen should block both UVB and UVA rays.
- Always look for an SPF (sun protection factor) against UVB rays of 15 or higher. SPF is not an indication of how much time you can spend in the sun. For example, if you use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 rather than one with an SPF 15, it doesn't mean you can stay in the sun twice as long. In reality, an SPF of 15 filters out about 93 percent of the UVB rays; SPF 30 filters about 97 percent of UVB rays. The beneficial effects of sunscreen decreases over time, so after a few hours the difference between the two may be even less
- Read the product label to check whether your sunscreen is formulated to block UVA rays. Look for terms such as full spectrum, broad spectrum, and UVA protection on the sunscreen lotion. Also look for titanium dioxide or zinc dioxide in the ingredient list. Better yet, make sure the ingredients include the chemical blocker Parsol 1789 (avobenzone).
- Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek the shade; wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and long pants. And don't forget to wear sunglasses as UVB rays can sometimes cause cataracts.
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure -- even on cloudy days. Remember to apply sunscreen liberally to your ears, hands, toes, and lips. Reapply regularly.
So, rub on the sunscreen liberally and enjoy the hot, sizzling Arizona summer.
Also see: Mayoclinic.com and Johnshopkinshealthalerts.com for more information on sun protection.
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