Relying Too Much on Sunscreen?

Sunscreen alone can’t do the job of protecting you and your child

Know Your Skin Type

How much protection do you need? “There are six different skin types that determine the amount of natural protection you have against ultraviolet light,” says dermatologist Robert Thompson, M.D. “The lighter your skin, the more protection you need.”

Type 1. Very fair skin with red or blond hair and freckles—always burns, never tans.
Type 2. Fair skin—burns easily, achieves only a minimal tan.
Type 3. Fair skin—sometimes burns, gradually tans.
Type 4. Olive skin (medium pigmentation)—minimum burning, always tans.
Type 5. Olive or darker skin (medium to heavy pigmentation)—seldom burns, always tans.
Type 6. Very dark skin (heavy pigmentation)—never burns, tans deeply.

Rubbing sunscreen on exposed skin is essential to blocking the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. “But sunscreen is only part of the solution,” says dermatologist Robert Thompson, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “To protect yourself and your children fully from the ultraviolet rays that can lead to skin cancer, you must limit sun exposure.”

In other words, the time of day and length of time you’re in the sun are just as critical as wearing that cream or lotion. Researchers have found that even the most careful use of sun-screen won’t protect you from some types of skin cancer, including potentially deadly melanoma.

This summer, remember to:

Dress for protection with a broad-brimmed hat, tightly knit clothing, long sleeves and UV-protective sunglasses.
Stay in the shade when possible. Use an umbrella at the beach.
Avoid peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) by planning outdoor activities early or late in the day.
Use sunscreen smartly. To make sure your sunscreen is protecting you, Thompson suggests:

Choose products that protect against both ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB), with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
Apply generously on exposed skin, including feet and ears. Don’t forget lip protection.
Use it on cloudy days(70 percent of UV rays come through).
Apply 30 minutes before going into the sun and reapply frequently—about every 1 1/2 hours.
Use a water-resistant sunscreen if you’ll be swimming or sweating heavily.

Want to Know More? For a purse- or pocket-size packet of SPF-15 sunscreen, call 610-402-CARE.

This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM

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