Summer is here and it’s time to head outside and enjoy the sunshine. But not only can exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays ruin your plans with a painful sunburn, it’s also a leading risk factor for skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. Exercising safe sun habits, such as applying one ounce of sunscreen to all exposed areas 30 minutes before outdoor activities, can help reduce your risk of skin cancer but only when used correctly.
Before you hit the lake, head to the beach or hike the trails this summer, make sure you know the truth behind these common sunscreen myths:
1. Anything above SPF 15 is useless.
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The American Cancer Society recommends the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. SPF 30, when applied correctly, will block out about 96% of UVB rays.
2. Sunscreen is only necessary on a sunny day.
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It’s easy to assume you’re safe from the sun on a cloudy day, but that’s not the case. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, as much as 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through the clouds.
3. Last year’s bottle will work just fine.
The expiration date on the sunscreen that has been hiding in your bathroom cabinet since last year should not be overlooked. The longer you keep the same bottle around, the less effective the protection will be. If the expiration date has passed, toss that bottle in the trash.
4. Spray sunscreen is less effective.
When used correctly and adequately, spray sunscreen is just as effective as lotion. Just be sure to get all areas of exposed skin and do not apply directly to the face; rather, spray some in your hand and rub onto your face.
5. Chemicals in sunscreen are more harmful than UV rays.
While it is true certain chemicals found in sunscreen may irritate the skin for some people, no short- or long-term effects have been proven.
Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours isn’t the only way to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats are also effective ways to prevent skin cancer. By taking these steps to protect yourself from the sun, you can keep your skin healthy and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Mark Kishel, M.D., FAAP is Regional Vice President and Senior Clinical Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
