Staying Healthy

Sun Safety for Summer
By Lori C. Dupree, Pharm.D., BCPS, President, Clincomm Consulting, LLC, Midlothian, VA

Ideally, using protection from the harmful effects of the sun is a healthy habit all year round. However, as summer approaches, thoughts turn to outdoor activities. Whether it is a trip to the beach, summer sports, or enjoying neighbors in the yard, protection from the sun is key to preventing skin damage caused by sun exposure.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is invisible radiation that comes from tanning beds, sun lamps, and the sun. There are three different types of UV radiation:

• Ultraviolet A (UVA) is the most common type, and can penetrate below the top layer of skin. Researchers believe that this radiation causes damage to connective tissue and increases a person's risk for skin cancer.
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are typically absorbed by the ozone layer, so they are rarer than UVA rays. Even though UVB rays don't penetrate the skin to the degree UVA rays do, they can still cause skin damage.
• Ultraviolet C (UVC) rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the earth's surface. They are extremely dangerous.

Repeated exposure to UV radiation (types A and B) may cause premature aging of the skin, skin discoloration, and skin cancer. There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can be successfully treated in most cases. However, malignant melanoma is incredibly dangerous, particularly in younger people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 65-90 percent of melanomas are caused by exposure to UV radiation.

Sunscreen is an effective way to prevent skin damage caused by the sun. All sunscreen products are assigned a number that indicates the efficacy to protect against UV radiation. This number is called the "sun protection factor" or "SPF". The higher the SPF, the better the action against UV rays. Always use sunscreen products with a SPF of 15 or higher to ensure appropriate protection. Products should also be active against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens contain chemicals that interact with the skin, and cause rays to be absorbed, scattered or reflected from the skin. There are several different sunscreens available, so if you experience an adverse effect to one product you may be able to tolerate another.

Proper application of sunscreen is important to ensure adequate protection against sunburn and skin damage. Sunscreen should be applied prior to going outside and reapplied frequently, particularly after swimming or participating in an activity that causes lots of sweating. Be mindful of areas that are not obvious, but still in need of protection (ears, scalp, and tops of feet). Lips are especially sensitive to sun. Many lip balms and cosmetics contain a sunscreen, but if the SPF is not at least 15, they should not be used alone. At the beginning of the summer, check any leftover sunscreen from the previous year for the expiration date. If there is no expiration date, the shelf life is no more than three years. This shelf life is diminished further if the product has been exposed to high temperatures (such as in a hot car).

In addition to the use of sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, clothing, and sunglasses are also effective measures to protect against sun exposure. UV rays are most intense and dangerous between the hours of 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in North America. Using shade, such as a large umbrella, can also reduce sun exposure.

Enjoy summer, but be smart about the harmful effects of the sun, tanning beds and sun lamps. Protect yourself and your family with sunscreen and other physical measures proven to reduce the risk of skin cancer. For additional information, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.