Summer Skin Care 101 Summer’s here and that means many people will be outside a lot, particularly after a wet, cool spring. But how many will protect themselves against the sun’s harmful rays? Unfortunately not nearly enough. A Boston University survey of young adults, ages 12 to 18, found that only a third regularly use sunscreen. The survey, published last year in the Journal of Pediatrics, also found that 83 percent had at least one sunburn the previous summer and 36 percent had three or more. And it’s not all happening outside, or in summer. Ten percent of all those surveyed — and 14 percent of girls — also said they used indoor tanning. These numbers only increase in the college years, especially for young women. No big deal? Think again. Read on for advice on spending time in the sun and in tanning salons and the importance of sunscreen.

Tanning 101 Does it really matter if I get a sunburn every once in a while? Yes, it does. The likelihood of developing skin cancer and wrinkles increases with the more sun you get. But even just a few bad sunburns increases the risk of developing melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. This is particularly true when you’re younger. It seems that, before age 20, our skin is much more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sun than when we’re older. What is the best way to treat a sunburn? It may take up to 24 hours before the full damage of a sunburn is visible. The two most common types of burns are first degree burns and second degree burns. First degree sunburns cause redness and will heal, possibly with some peeling, within a few days. These can be painful and are best treated with cool baths and bland moisturizers or over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams. Taking aspirin may lessen the pain. Avoid the use of “-caine” products (such as benzocaine) which may cause sensitivity. Second degree sunburns blister and can be considered a medical emergency if a large area is affected. When a burn is severe, accompanied by a headache, chills or a fever, seek medical help right away. No matter what kind of burn you get, be sure to protect your skin from the sun while it heals and take better precautions in the future. Is there any way to tell if my skin has been damaged? If you’ve tanned or burned, you’ve already damaged your skin. A burn is a clear sign of damage. A tan, in fact, is the body trying to protect itself from more damage. If I only tan and don’t burn, does that mean I won’t get skin cancer? No. When our skin is damaged by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, the skin senses that damage and makes the brown pigment ‘melanin’ to protect itself from more harm. Melanin blocks the ultraviolet rays from entering the skin. But to develop a tan, you must damage your skin first. So there is no way to tan safely. Is tanning at indoor salons any safer or better for my skin? No. Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet light: UVA and UVB. The UVB is primarily responsible for a sunburn. Both types of UV radiation cause wrinkles and skin cancer. Indoor tanning salons use devices that give off ultraviolet radiation — a mixture of both UVA and UVB that’s meant to mimic the sun. So, whether you tan at the beach or in the tanning salon, you’re damaging your skin. Are creams and other products that produce a fake “tan” safe for your skin? Overnight or instant “tans” are dyes that color the outermost layer of the skin. The dye usually lasts four to five days and is completely harmless. But remember, it does not protect you from the sun.

     Sunscreen 101                                                                        

Even though most of us know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen, many of us tend to wait until we’re older — after we’ve had a skin cancer diagnosis or our skin turns to leather — before we start slathering up. But if health experts and manufacturers have their way, this trend could be about to change.

Gone are the days when sunscreen meant smelly, milky-white goop (though that variety still exists). Today’s array of products includes sticks, gels, lotions, and sprays — scented and unscented — that make it easier for consumers of all ages and lifestyles to follow the recommendations for sunscreen use.  A relatively new development is that of mineral based cosmetics and skin care lines.  Mineral based products contain natural suncreens (such as zinc oxide), making them a quick and easy way to include sun protection in your everyday regime.

For more information on how to choose the right kind and use it correctly, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions:

Why is it important to use sunscreen?
The primary reason for using sunscreen is to avoid repeated or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet A and B radiation from the sun, which can cause skin cancer and lead to premature aging. In combination with other preventive measures, such as avoiding the sun or wearing protective clothes, using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher helps protect you from wrinkles and, more importantly, skin cancer. You should be using sunscreen year-round whenever you’ll be exposed to sunlight for more than 20 minutes — even on hazy or cloudy days.

What kind of sunscreen should I choose?
Choose a sunscreen product that you’ll actually use!

In general, men don’t like putting creams or heavy lotions on their faces, he says, so they might be more likely to use an alcohol-based gel or spray sunscreen. Some women may prefer a moisturizer combined with a sunscreen, or a product that blends well with their makeup.

Want to avoid that greasy feel? Check out an oil-free product. Worried about allergic reactions or breakouts? Try mineral based products, such as Zahrah and Zameen. A hypoallergenic sunscreen or one especially designed for sensitive skin also helps to diminish allergic reactions and breakouts.  Want to get your kids to use sunscreen? Let them have fun with a watermelon-scented, fast-blast spray.

For the active set, there’s waterproof sunscreen for protection while swimming or just playing in the sprinkler. If you enjoy outdoor activities like cycling, hiking or tennis, you might score with a sports sunscreen — they dry quickly and won’t sting your eyes when you sweat. Need a sunscreen that fits your budget? Prices generally start around $8 and go all the way up to $30.

What about SPF?
SPF, or sun protection factor, is a number that refers to a product’s ability to screen the sun’s burning rays. The higher the number, the greater the protection. SPF numbers can range from as low as 2 to as high as 85. But, SPF 15 is really the minimum that you should be applying.

According to the Academy of Dermatology, SPF 15 offers 93 percent protection from the sun’s rays. If you burn easily, try SPF 30, which offers 97 percent protection, or go even higher.

How do sunscreens work?
“Some of them absorb UV, some reflect and scatter UV,” says Patricia Agin, director of photobiology research at Schering-Plough Corp., the maker of Coppertone and Bain de Soleil products.

In other words, when you use sunscreen SPF 15, most of the harmful rays don’t get a chance to penetrate or damage your skin. Experts recommend sunscreens that shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to read the product label to make sure your sunscreen offers this broad-spectrum protection.

The last time I used sunscreen I got a sunburn — why?
If you’re still getting burned, you need to user a higher SPF, or you might be making one of these common mistakes:

Skimping on the amount. The Academy of Dermatology recommends slathering on a full ounce — enough to fill a shot glass — with each application. Be very liberal with your sunscreen if you’ll be around sand, water or snow, as these elements can intensify UV rays. Be sure to cover all exposed skin, from the tips of your ears to the tips of your toes.

Forgetting to reapply. Apply your sunscreen 15 minutes to 30 minutes before you head outdoors. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours. Water resistant sunscreen needs to be reapplied immediately after swimming or strenuous activities.

Thinking you’re OK when the sun goes away. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so don’t slack on sun protection when the sky’s overcast.

Does sunscreen go bad?
The data shows that sunscreen products are extremely stable. However, storage conditions can affect the texture or scent of the product over time.

It’s not a good idea to store sunscreen in a golf bag, or in the glove compartment or trunk of your car during the summer. It’s better to take it in and out with you and store it as much as possible at room temperature.

Sunscreen should be good for about three years or until the listed expiration date, whichever is sooner. However, if it has separated, changed color or smells funny, give it the heave-ho.