Protecting Yourself from the Sun
We all know the damage the sun’s ultraviolet rays can do when our skin is exposed too long to them: a sunburn at best, and basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and other skin cancers at worst.
Lighter-skinned people are more prone to sun damage. Doctors divide skin types into six categories, with recommendations for SPF (sunscreen protection factor) for each category:
| Skin Type | Description | Features | Minimum SPF |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
Always burns, never tans | White skin, blue/hazel eyes, blond/red hair | 15 |
|
II
|
Always burns, tans minimally | Fair skin, blue eyes | 15 |
|
III
|
Burns minimally, tans slowly | Darker caucasian skin | 10-15 |
|
IV
|
Burns minimally, tans well | Light brown skin, Mediterranean | 6-10 |
|
V
|
Rarely burns, tans profusely and darkly | Brown skin, Middle Eastern, Latin American | 4-6 |
|
VI
|
Never burns, always tans, deeply pigmented | Dark brown or black skin | None |
Some more sun protection tips:
* Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go out and reapply it every two hours — more frequently if you’re exercising or swimming.
* Wear sunscreen even on a cloudy day. The rays burn through the clouds and can damage your skin.
* If you plan to be in the water, make sure your sunscreen is waterproof.
* Use sunglasses that protect your eyes from UVA and UVB radiation.
* Wear a hat, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
* Limit exposure during peak ray times (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.).
* If you are using a sunscreen that also repels insects, use a higher SPF, because DEET (the insect-repelling ingredient) lowers the effectiveness of sunscreen.
* Stay in the shade whenever you can!
