Partner contributor to the Link to Hope Newsletter: Beth Creek
Beth Creek, RN, lives near Bowling Green, KY with her husband and two children. She works as a registered nurse and enjoys homeschooling, raising chickens, and learning to play the violin.
7 Truths About Sunscreen
Beth Creek, RN
Summer in Kentucky is fast approaching, which means more fun in the sun. It is essential to remember to practice sun safety to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can come from tanning beds, sun lamps, and the sun itself. To reduce your risk, wearing sunscreen is a simple and vital step.
Here are 7 truths about sunscreen to simplify sun safety:
1. Choose a sunscreen labeled as “broad spectrum” or “full spectrum.”. These sunscreens provide protection from both types of UV rays that can harm your skin: UVA and UVB.
2. Choose an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. For even better protection, choose from 30 to 50 SPF. Beyond 50 is not necessary, as the additional protection is minimal.
3. Sunscreen wears off, so you must reapply often - every 2 hours or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
4. You need a lot of it. Visualize a shot glass. That’s about how much an adult needs to apply just to your face, neck, and the back of your hands. You will need additional sunscreen for other areas that are exposed to the sun.
5. You still need to wear it on a cloudy day. UV light penetrates clouds and can reflect off water, pavement, and other surfaces.
6. Sunscreen does expire. Check the expiration date. Typical shelf life is 3 years and less if it’s been exposed to high temperatures.
7. Remember areas like your lips, ears, tops of your feet, and the back of your neck.
For added protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat or long-sleeve shirt, sit in the shade of an umbrella or tree, and wear sunglasses.
