Health Feature Articles
What you need to know about sunscreen
For adults and children alike, sunscreen is important.
“Many of us use it but the options can be confusing. It's hard
to decide which SPF to use and whether you need protection against
UVA, UVB or both,” said Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education
specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
UVA and UVB are types of ultraviolet radiation. Humans need protection against ultraviolet radiation because it contributes to conditions like premature skin aging, eye damage and skin cancer. These types of ultraviolet radiation can also suppress the immune system, making it difficult to fight these conditions.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World
Health Organization recognize UV as a proven carcinogen.
UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent than UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB and this contributes to skin aging.
“We used to believe that aging was the worst damage that UVA could do. We now know that UVA rays damage skin cells in the basal layer of the epidermis where most skin cancers occur. We now know that UVA can contribute to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers,” said Roberts.
UVA is the ray that makes humans tan. Tanning in the sun or in
a salon can cause damage over time which can lead to skin cancer.
UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn. It has long been known that UVB rays play an important role in the development of skin cancer.
UVB rays vary in intensity depending on the season, location
and time of day. Humans are most exposed to UVB rays from April
to October between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
UVB rays do not penetrate glass. UVA rays can and do penetrate glass in homes and in cars causing damage while we are unaware it is happening.
“That is why it is a good idea to even use sunscreen while on
road trips,” said Roberts.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. Experts recommend that you use an SPF of at least 15.
“An SPF of 15 means it will take 15 times longer for skin to redden than if you did not use it at all. The SPF refers to UVB protection only,” said Roberts.
To assure you are getting protection from UVA as well, Roberts says to look for one of these ingredients: stabilized avobenzone, ecamsule (Mexoryl), oxybenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
“Enjoy the summer but make sure you are protected against the sun's harmful rays. Be sure to reapply sunscreen after sweating and after swimming,” said Roberts.
For more information on health and nutrition issues, go online to http://extension.missouri.edu/ or contact Tammy Roberts at (417) 682-3579.
Last Updated 07/06/2009
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