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Sunscreens
Many people like the look that tanning gives their skin, and sunscreens can help
protect skin from too much sun. Tanning occurs
when the skin produces additional pigment
that colors the skin to protect it against
exposure to the sun’s invisible ultraviolet
rays (both UVA and UVB). Ultraviolet rays
can cause sunburn and rashes that are immediately
uncomfortable. Long term damage from the
sun can result in premature wrinkling and
skin cancer.
When choosing sunscreens, consider the following:
- Most people can benefit from sunscreens with
sun protection factor numbers (SPF) of 15
or higher. Generally, the higher the SPF
number, the longer you can stay in the sun.
Higher numbers may also work better for those
with fair skin, those who live in high altitudes,
those who perspire heavily, or those who
spend much of the day outdoors.
- Sunscreens should be applied at least 20
minutes before you go outside. Swimming and
vigorous pursuits that cause perspiration
will reduce the effectiveness of even water
resistant sunscreens, so they should be reapplied
after these activities.
- Sunscreens are made with different ingredients
depending on the manufacturer, so some products
may cause allergic reactions in some people.
It is wise to test a small amount of any
new sunscreen you are using on a limited
area of your skin before applying it more
liberally.
- Some medications may also make your skin
more sensitive to the sun, reducing the amount
of protection from the sunscreen. These medications
include certain antibiotics, diuretics, antihistamines,
birth control pills, and antidepressants.
- Until recently, no sunscreen product could
protect against UVA rays, which can be as
harmful as UVB rays. Read labels carefully
to find a sunscreen that protects against
both types.
Sunscreens differ from sunblocks in that
sunscreens absorb the sun's rays to prevent
them from passing through to the skin. A
sun block protects the skin by deflects the
rays. |
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