The Truth About Sunscreen
In North Dakota, we cherish our “sun” days and look forward to spending time at the lake and on the water; working in our yards and gardens; and participating in a plethora of other outdoor activities. With all of these outdoor activities, comes the risk of getting too much sun exposure so it’s important to not only load up on sunscreen, but to know the facts about sunscreen. Following is list of truths about sunscreen from CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control to keep in mind as you go about your summer activities.
Sunscreen is protective. Sunscreen does protect your skin from the sun’s rays, when used as directed. However, some research suggests that sunscreen users get burned frequently, which may be because they use too little, apply it/reapply it too late, or use it to engage in otherwise unsafe sun exposure, like staying out longer or not wearing protective clothing.
You have to use a lot. That means a shot glass full to cover the full body, a fourth to a half teaspoon for the face. Studies have shown that consumers use much less sunscreen than is needed to effectively protect, so use more than you think you need, or get a measuring spoon!
Don’t use it solo. It’s important to use a combination of sun safety approaches for effective sun protection. Sunscreen isn’t an all-protective force field. It is intended to be combined with other sun-safety approaches, like covering up with clothing, staying in the shade, wearing a hat, and scheduling activities to avoid times of day when the sun is most intense (10AM – 4PM).
It doesn’t have to be greasy. Recent advances in sunscreen technology have led to a variety of improved textures and consistencies of sunscreens, from sticks for those who like to roll it on, to light milks that spread easily and leave no white cast. The days of thick pastes are over, but you still need to apply a lot, so pick a product with a texture you really like!
It isn’t just a girl thing. Few men look forward to having wrinkles, age spots, or discolored skin. Sunscreen isn’t just a product for women; using sunscreen and other sun-safety strategies is critical for anyone looking to prevent the premature aging that comes with sun exposure—not to mention helping prevent skin cancer.
Coconut oil is not a good sunscreen. Although some sunscreens contain coconut oil, the oil itself is not adequate to prevent skin damage. Coconut oil may extend the time to burn for some individuals, but the level of UV protection is very low and may be highly variable by source, so don’t rely on coconut oil to protect your skin!
SPF stands for sun protection factor. The SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen product. Higher SPF values (up to 50) provide greater sunburn protection. To get the most out of your sunscreen, choose one with an SPF of at least 15. If your skin is fair, you may want a higher SPF of 30 or 50. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go outside. Reapply it at least every two hours, and more often if you are sweating or getting in and out of the water.
Learn more about sun safety: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm.
Interested in working with other ND Cancer Coalition members on the topic of sun safety? Let us know! Send us your contact information at: contact@ndcancercoalition.org.
