Summer's Coming, So Break Out The Sunscreen - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), May, 2001

Sunscreens aren't just for days at the beach or sitting in the bleachers at the ballpark. They should be a part of life even on days when sun exposure is limited to a walk across the parking lot or sitting by a window at work, according to Karen Nishimura, a physician and clinical instructor at Stanford (Calif.) Medical Center's Dermatology Clinic. She says most people can lower their long-term risk of skin cancer by using sunscreen every day to protect against the harmful effects of exposure that build up over time. "Think of sunscreen as a skin-enhancing lotion. In fact, many common cosmetics now contain sun-protective ingredients"

Nishimura suggests that you examine the label to see whether the lotion, moisturizer, lip balm, or other cosmetic product contains a sunscreen designed to protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The label will probably tell you the "sun protection factor" (SPF), which will give a rough approximation of how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you normally burn in 10 minutes, SPF 30 provides about 30 times 10 (300) minutes of protection before burning. Individual tolerance to the sun is quite variable, though. For instance, fair-skinned people tend to burn more quickly.

"Remember, however, that long-term damage to skin can occur over time even when there is no visible sign of burning or skin damage," Nishimura cautions. While an SPF rating of 15 is just fine for most persons, those who must be exposed to intense rays or are particularly sensitive to the sun might want to use a product containing an SPF 30 rating or higher.

Sunscreens are available in "nongreasy" and unscented formulas quite appropriate for the office or by people who don't use lotions or cosmetics, she points out. "It doesn't really matter whether you use a `stand-alone' sunscreen or receive your protection from an existing cosmetic product such as a lip balm. Find products you like, that you feel comfortable with, and get in the habit of using them."

Nishimura emphasizes that sunscreen isn't the entire solution. Try to limit exposure when the sun is brightest--10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Covering arms with appropriate clothing is an easy and effective way to block the sun, although thin items, such as light cotton, may not offer adequate protection. "Remember that nobody is perfect. If you miss a day of sunscreen, the results surely aren't going to lead to tragedy. But do keep in mind that skin cancer is the result of many years of exposure, so reducing your risk depends on what you can do most days of your life," she explains.