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Health 52
Info Tip:
Sunscreens
The Skin Cancer Foundation says that one blistering sunburn in childhood or
adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma
later in life, so it is vital to use sunscreen.
But you also need to know how to use it wisely. Sunscreen lotions and sprays
help prevent both sunburn and skin cancer, but only if you use them
correctly.
Sunscreen should be applied at least twenty minutes before you go outside
because it takes time for the chemicals to start working, and it needs to be
re-applied every two hours, as a general recommendation from the American
Academy of Dermatology.
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) only measures protection against UVB rays,
the kind that are closer to the earth and make you feel hot. However, newer
“broad spectrum” sunscreens also protect against UVA rays, those that are
farther away but penetrate more deeply into the skin.
Applying sunscreen is an important way to protect your family when out in
the sun, but these products generally have a shelf life of three years or
less, even if there’s not an expiration date on the bottle.
If it is time to buy a new sunscreen, remember that keeping it in the heat
of the car or in direct sunlight is not good because that will cause its
active ingredients to break down even faster. Somewhat ironic isn’t it?
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Foundation
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