Using Sunscreen
Sunscreens work by reflecting or absorbing ultraviolet rays, or both. A sunscreen's SPF, or sun protection factor, indicates how long it will take you to get sunburned if you're using the product. If you normally burn after half an hour in the sun, it would take ten times longer (five hours) to burn when you're wearing sunscreen that has an SPF of 10.
Ingredients that reflect UVR are called sunscreens or sunblocks and include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; these rarely if ever cause allergic reactions. Chemicals that absorb UVR include PABA, Parsol 1789 T . and cinnamates. Some people are allergic or sensitive to these products, as well as salicylates, oxybenzone, lanolin, fragrances, and other sunscreen ingredients. If you develop itching, a rash, blisters, or hives after using sunscreen, ask your doctor to recommend a product less likely to bring on sensitivity or allergic reactions.
Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens .The SPF on the label refers to UV-B protection, but the ingredients that prevent tanning offer some protection against UV-A radiation as well. Sunscreens offering the best UV-A protection contain either opaque ingredients (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) or Parsol 1789, which may be listed as avobenzone or dibenzoylmethane. Newer transparent sunscreens may contain opaque ingredients in powder form. Look for the words "microfine" or "Z-COTE" on the label.
Get in the habit of applying at least one full ounce of sunscreen to your entire body every day. Most doctors recommend sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher. An SPF 10 blocks about 85 percent of UVR, SPF 15 about 95 percent, and SPF 30 about 97 percent.
Apply your sunscreen indoors and stay out of the sun for another 20 to 30 minutes. Even if it's labeled water resistant, reapply the sunscreen when you've been sweating and after you've been in the water.
Sunscreen does keep your skin from absorbing the vitamin D in sunlight, so take a vitamin D supplement or make sure you're ge tt ing enough of this essential nutrient in your diet.
Protect your delicate eye area with a sunscreen labeled safe for eyes, and always wear a lip product with an SPF of at least 15.
When the sun's rays start burning your skin, it fights back by p ro ducing melanin, the pigment that tans and thus protects the skin. But a tan is weak protection compared to sunscreen or clothing. Even a dark tan has an SPF of only about 4.
Wear Protective Clothing
Clothing offers some protection against the sun's rays; however, UVR can easily penetrate some fabrics, including swimsuits, especially when they're wet. A white T-shirt has an SPF of 6.To stay both cool and protected, wear lightweight, dark-colored, tightly woven, loose fitting clothes that cover your arms and legs.
Wear a sun-protective hat, preferably one with a full brim that protects your ears and the back of your neck as well as your eyes and face. You'll still need sunscreen. A 7-centimeter hat brim provides an estimated SPF of 20 on your forehead but as li tt le as SPF 4 on your nose.
Good sunglasses prevent squinting, and the crow's feet that follow, and protect delicate eyelid skin from aging. Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun's rays and that wrap around to protect your eyes from the sides as well as the front.
Questions to Ask the Surgeon ?
- Would my skin be imp ro ved with prescription tretinoin, Retin-A or Renova?
- Are there high enough concentrations of AHA in over-the-counter products to benefit my skin?
- If I have an allergic reaction to an over-the-counter cosmetic, how will I know which ingredient caused it?
- Do you recommend a sunscreen for my geographical region?
- If I do get sunburn, what is the best way to treat it?
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