Health tip: Staying safe in the sun

May in skin cancer awareness month. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. Current estimates are that 1 in 5 will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

Here are some ways to protect yourself in the sun:

Let’s talk about sunscreen! Sunscreen helps protect us from UV radiation which contributes to many detrimental effects on human skin, including sunburn, aging and skin cancer.

I always get overwhelmed in the sunscreen aisle. I have to be honest, I often choose sunscreen based on smell.  Having children I have since done some research to choose with a little more education. Here are some things to consider when choosing sunscreen:

1. SPF (sun protection factor). This measures the sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVB. There are two types of UV light, A and B. UVB is responsible for sunburn, inflammation, darkening of the skin and skin cancer. UVA has a large role in photo aging and darkening of the skin and may be involved in skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or greater. Remember that no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s rays. Even if you have darker skin you are still at risk

1. SPF 15: Blocks 93% of the suns UVB rays
2. SPF 30 (recommended): 97% of the suns UVB rays

• No Sunscreen can filter out 100% of the suns UVB rays, that’s why it’s important to also wear protective clothing and seek shade

2. Broad spectrum. This protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Only these three ingredients cover UVA rays: avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide.

3. Water Resistant. There isn’t a sunscreen that is water proof. Many of the sunscreens will actually show long they will last on the skin.

3. Sunscreen is typically good for 3 years (required by the FDA), check expiration dates.

4. Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, after swimming or after heavy sweating.

5. Children under 6 months should be kept out of the sun and have them wear protective clothing when they are exposed to the sun.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding the use of sunscreen products in infants younger than six months. However, when adequate clothing and shade are not available, a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF can be applied to small areas, such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands.

6. Look for fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin! Yes, I admit to loving a good-smelling lotion, but manufactured fragrances can have lots of chemicals that irritate sensitivities… another reason to read labels. Choose products that have natural oils or botanicals if you’re wanting that smell-good.

7. There are two types of sunscreen:

1. Chemical sunscreens: work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays
   1. Active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate
   2. These sunscreens tend to be easier to rub into your skin without leaving a white residue
2. Physical (mineral) sunscreens: act like a shield. Sitting on the surface of your skin, they deflect the sun’s rays.
   1. Active ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or both
   2. Better for sensitive skin, classic example is the white nose on a lifeguard

8. The good news is now there are so many options, Let me show you a few options

1. 1. PCA SHEER TINT: small amount of color
   2. ELTA SPRAY: Even though aerosol sprays are convenient, keep in mind with sprays you need multiple applications and there is risk of inhaling the chemicals, this a little different and allows you to know how much you are applying.
   3. CC CREAM: SPF 50+ perfect to mix with foundation or alone
   4. ISDIN BRUSH: A fun new formulation to keep your skin safe, without the greasy residue.

9. Make sure you are getting those hard to reach spots. Ears are a common spot I see precancerous lesions and your lips. Here are a few great options to cover your lips: Colorscience lip shine, Elta MD lip balm

A few other tips to stay safe in the sun:

1. Wear protective clothing. Just because you are wearing clothing doesn’t mean you can’t get burned
   • UV protectant clothing: Here are a few examples here 
   • HAT: loving all the GigiPip hats, good news are that hats are back in style
   • SUNGLASSES: Not only can the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays harm your skin, but they can damage your eyes as well. For protection, says the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Retailers say that requires a rating of UV400 or higher. Over time, sun exposure can increase your chances of developing eye disease — cataracts, growths on the eye, macular degeneration and even a rare form of cancer, ocular melanoma, according to the academy. In addition, eye “sunburn” — known as photokeratitis — can stem from short-term exposure to UV rays, especially when reflected off the water or sand (or, in the winter, off snow or ice). Blurry vision and sensitivity to bright light can result. What else should you do for your eyes’ sake? Wear oversize or wraparound sunglasses, or don a wide-brimmed hat. Make sure kids have UV-protected sunglasses, too. And, don’t focus on the color of the lenses, because darker lenses do not automatically block more UV rays: It’s the number, UV400, that makes a healthy difference.
2. Seek shade
   • Avoid the sun between 10-2
   • Even if its cloudy you can still get sun

• Snow and water reflect the suns rays intensify their rays

1. • UMBRELLA: how fun is this umbrella that can attach to a golf cart, kids wagon or stroller, lawn chair and help protect you from the sun
   • SPRAY TAN: use this as an alternative, over 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the US are attributed to tanning beds.
   • How to check your skin for skin cancer
     1. Look for anything not like the others
     2. ABCDEs of Melanoma
        • A: Asymmetry, one half is unlike the other half
        • B: Border, an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border     
        • C: Color, is varied from one area to another, has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red or blue
        • D: Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.
        • E: evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

• If you aren’t sure, contact your doctor

2. Last but not least I know it’s not sun protection but make sure you stay hydrating when you are in the sun
   1. Here are some examples of ways to keep hydrated
      • HEATHIEST: I love this little water bottle to keep you on track
      • FRUIT INFUSED WATER BOTTLE: For those who struggle to drink water, this gives you a little flavor to your water
      • VIRGIN MOJITO: Muddled lime, raspberry, mint and agave topped off with Topo Chico. The perfect low calorie refreshing drink

Hope this helps keep you safe in the sun!