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Proper Use of Sunscreen Critical for Real Protection

Reviewed by: Diamontis Papadopoulos, MD
June 22, 2009
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Is sunscreen part of your everyday routine? While dermatologists strongly recommend its use, there seems to be a disconnect between what we know and what we do. Most of us know that excessive sun exposure
can be harmful and increase our risk of developing skin cancer. So why don’t so many of us take the next step to protect ourselves?

This issue is so important that researchers at Harvard University Medical School actually studied the effectiveness of daily text message reminders for improving sunscreen usage. Results presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (March 2009) showed increased sunscreen use after receiving a daily reminder.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. They are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks. It is best to avoid sprays and use the type that are applied with your hands for best coverage. All are labeled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn caused mostly by UVB rays, but this does not increase the length of time for sun exposure. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

The AAD offers the following guidelines:

  • Sunscreen should be applied one half hour before going outdoors.
  • Generously apply water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection to all exposed skin.
  • Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
  • Protect your eyes with UV light-blocking sunglasses.
  • Avoid tanning beds. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, use a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
  • Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
  • Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing,
    growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org. Content reviewed by Diamontis Papadopoulos, MD, member of the MHWC Medical Advisory Board and dermatologist with Metropolitan Dermatologic Surgery, PC.

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