Fun in the sun - Lifelines - sunscreens - Brief Article

Vibrant Life, March-April, 2002

Warmer days of spring and summer mean more time spent outside. And while some sun exposure is good for your health, too much can lead to sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer.

While sunscreens are designed to protect your skin against sun damage, researchers have found that 73 percent of sunscreen users still become sunburned anyway. Interviews with study participants showed that most did not use sunscreens properly. Many of those interviewed felt that a single application of sunscreen would protect for three to four hours. Others did not use enough lotion to adequately protect the exposed skin. One ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) is considered the proper amount for each application. It's also important to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming.

(American Academy of Dermatology)