Solar protection
We need to protect ourselves from the sun's rays, and not only during vacation. Do you protect yourself from the sun on a daily basis?
- I can't get skin cancer because my day-to-day life (work, commute, hobbies, vacations) doesn't include outdoor activities.
- True
- False
The correct answer is FALSE
Dermatologists say that short periods of sun exposure throughout the year can cause skin damage in fair-skinned people.
- I should use sunscreen during football matches even if I only go once or twice a year.
- True
- False
The correct answer is TRUE
Many people think that occasional sunburns are no big deal, although studies show that being exposed to the sun's rays even once in a while may increase our risk of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
- If I put sunscreen on, I can spend as long as I want in the sun.
- True
- False
The correct answer is FALSE
You shouldn't spend hours in the sun even if you are wearing sunscreen. These products don't provide total protection from UV rays. It is advisable to limit sun exposure at midday and remain in shaded areas. T-shirts, hats, and broad-spectrum sunscreen applied every two hours all help reduce our exposure to the sun. Also, don't forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- SPF-15 sunscreen has stronger UV protection than one that is SPF-30.
- True
- False
The correct answer is FALSE
Sun-protection factor (SPF) is an indicator of a sunscreen's ability to protect our skin from UVB rays (although the SPF doesn't give us any information on UVA protection). SPF-15 filters out approximately 93% of all incoming UVB rays, while SPF-30 blocks 97 percent of these rays. Be sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVB and UVA. It is also important to apply enough sunscreen and re-apply it frequently, especially if we sweat or go swimming.
- It is safe to let my children stay in the sun if they put a T-shirt on after a couple of hours and I apply more sunscreen to their face, arms, and legs.
- True
- False
The correct answer is FALSE
UV rays can easily penetrate a white cotton T-shirt, especially if it is wet. When wet, most bright-colored T-shirts only protect our skin from the sun as much as SPF-4 sunscreen. This is clearly not enough for an entire day and leaves our skin much less protected than when we use sunscreen that is at least SPF-30. It is best to wear dark-colored, close-fitting clothing that is specially treated to provide protection from the sun, or bathing suits. Another option is to remain in the shade during the midday hours, when the sun's rays are strongest. For babies younger than 6 months, shade, protective clothing, and hats are the most recommendable options
- How often should I re-apply water-resistant sunscreen?
- Every 2 hours or less
- After sweating or swimming
- After drying myself off with a towel
- All the above
The correct answer is ALL THE ABOVE
For best results, most types of sunscreen must be re-applied every 2 hours or less, but be sure to check the label.
- Going to a tanning salon is a good way to protect myself from sunburn while at the beach.
- True
- False
The correct answer is FALSE
Experts say that a base tan provides very little protection again sunburn. Also, getting a tan is damaging to the skin. What we can't see is the damage that UV rays do to the deeper layers of our skin.
- Now put all of this knowledge together. You put sunscreen on at noon so you can spend the afternoon reading by the pool. At 2:00, which of the following will best protect your skin?
- Put some loose-fitting cotton clothing on
- Move under the shade
- Re-apply sunscreen
The correct answer is MOVE UNDER THE SHADE
Although all three of these options can help, the most effective way is to move under the shade. Shade is key to preventing skin cancer, especially from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Clothing made of cotton does little to block UV radiation, and close-fitting, dark-colored clothing is the best idea.
