The Truth About Sunscreens and Sun-Protective Clothing

Connecticut Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are cautioning consumers to re-think some common misconceptions about protecting yourself and family from harmful solar radiation.
By: Connecticut Better Business Bureau
 
WALLINGFORD, Conn. - July 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Connecticut BBB and Federal Trade Commission Issue Consumer Alert and Tips to Protect Skin and Prevent Cancer

Connecticut Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are cautioning consumers to re-think some common misconceptions about protecting yourself and family from harmful solar radiation.

First, a quick quiz:

A.Sunscreens labeled 15 SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and higher don’t protect from all of the sun’s rays
B.Suntans are a sign of skin damage
C.Sunscreens should be used on cloudy days
D.Infants should not be in the sun at all
E.Some medications can make you more sensitive to the sun and increase the likelihood of serious sunburn

(All are true.)

Summer's arrival means it's time for picnics, trips to the pool and beach—and a spike in the number of sunburns.  But winter skiers and fall hikers should be just as wary of the sun's rays as swimmers. People who work outdoors need to take precautions, too.

The need for sun safety has become clearer over the past 30 years as a growing number of studies show that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer.  Harmful rays from the sun—and from sunlamps and tanning beds—may also cause eye problems, weaken your immune system, and give you skin spots, wrinkles, or "leathery" skin.

Sun damage to the body is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Tanning is a sign of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides it with some—but often not enough—protection against sunburn.

Whatever our skin color, we're all potentially susceptible to sunburn and other harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation.

Although we all need to take precautions to protect our skin, people who need to be especially careful in the sun are those who have:

•pale skin
•blond, red, or light brown hair
•been treated for skin cancer
•a family member who's had skin cancer

Reduce Time in the Sun - It’s important to limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80 percent of the sun's UV rays can get through the clouds. Stay in the shade as much as possible throughout the day.

Dress with Care - Wear clothes that protect your body. If you plan on being outside on a sunny day, cover as much of your body as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants. Sun-protective clothing is now available. However, FDA only regulates such products if the manufacturer intends to make a medical claim. Consider using an umbrella for shade.

Be Serious about Sunscreen - Check product labels to make sure you get:

•A "sun protection factor" (SPF) of 15 or more. SPF represents the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn.
•"Broad spectrum" protection—sunscreen that protects against all types of skin damage caused by sunlight.
•Water resistance—sunscreen that stays on your skin longer, even if it gets wet.

Tips for Applying Sunscreen - Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet.

•Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
•If you don't have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head, or wear a hat.
•Reapply at least every two hours.
•Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask a health care professional before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.


Protect the Eyes - Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand, or water further increases exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of developing eye problems.

Tips for eye-related sun safety include:

•When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 99 to 100 percent UV protection.
•Eyewear should be labeled "sunglasses." Otherwise, you can’t be sure they will offer enough protection.
•Pricier sunglasses don’t ensure greater UV protection.
•Ask an eye care professional to test your sunglasses if you don’t know their level of UV protection.
•People who wear contact lenses that offer UV protection should still wear sunglasses.
•Wraparound sunglasses offer the most protection.
•Children should wear real sunglasses (not toy sunglasses!) that indicate the UV protection level.
End
Source:Connecticut Better Business Bureau
Email:***@ct.bbb.org Email Verified
Tags:Sunscreen, Tan, Tanning, Cancer, Skin Cancer
Industry:Health, Travel
Location:Wallingford - Connecticut - United States
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