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The skin happens to be the largest organ of our body. With summertime fast approaching, it is vital that we protect that organ from the sun. It may seem near impossible to avoid the ultraviolet rays of the sun, so why should we even try? In small doses, sunlight enables natural immunity, stimulates hormone production, and promotes skin growth and healing. Getting sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes per day helps the body to make Vitamin D naturally and synthesize the pigment melanin, the skin's natural sunscreen. We start to get in trouble when there is excessive exposure to the sun. Harmful ultraviolet (UVA, UVB, and UVC) rays are easily able to reach the Earth's surface due to the erosion of the ozone layer. UVA contributes to increased skin aging, UVB contributes to sunburn and UVC are the most damaging rays.
Sunscreen vs. Sunblock
Sunblocks contain mineral salts such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that reflect and scatter the sun's rays away from your skin. On the other hand, sunscreens contain ingredients such as octinoxate, benzophenone, and oxybenzone that act as a filter and allow a minimal amount of UV light to reach the
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skin and get absorbed. For the most complete protection, apply sunblock/sunscreen liberally 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply according to the directions on the label, avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm when the sun's rays are the most damaging, and wear protective clothing.
SPF - Sun Protection Factor
SPF rating is an individual thing. The higher the SPF rating, the greater protection from the sun. If you normally start to burn after 10 minutes without protection, a sunscreen with SPF 30 would deliver 300 minutes of protection against burning. Remember things such as humidity, sweat, friction and water can reduce how long the sunscreen offers protection. In addition to these elements, the protective factor of the sunscreen tends to break down with time as well. Be sure and consider all of these components when choosing a product that is best for you.
Sunburns
Excessive exposure without the proper sun protection will likely cause a sunburn almost immediately and premature aging and skin cancer can occur over time. If you experience a sunburn, first get out
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of the sun as soon as possible. Take a cool shower or bath or apply cool compresses several times throughout the day. Avoid creams and lotions that will hold heat inside the skin. Apply aloe vera to the skin to keep it hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids for the next few days. Take ibuprofen or Tylenol® as needed to relieve the pain. Seek medical attention if the sunburn covers a large area of the body, several blisters occur with extreme pain, signs of infection of the skin (redness, warmth, pain, swelling), signs of dehydration (increased thirst, dry mouth or eyes). All of these treatments will help you be more comfortable during your sunburn but keep in mind - the best treatment is prevention!
For additional information, talk with your pharmacist or visit www.sunprotection.net.
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