2. +
UV Light
• UVC
• Most damaging
• Little makes it
through
atmosphere
• UVB
• Still damaging
• Most common
cause of skin
cancer
• UVA
• Least damaging
• Causes many of
sun’s aging effects
3. +
Sun Avoidance
This is especially important for
infants.
Avoid peak sun hours
o 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coverage
o Select clothing + hats that cover
frequently burned areas
o Use sunglasses with UV protection
o Use shade to your benefit
AVOID PEAK
SUNLIGHT
HOURS
PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING, S
UNGLASSES
& HATS
SEEK OUT
SHADE
SUNSCREEN
4. +
SPF
SPF = sun protection factor against UVB
rays
UVB rays burn and cause cancer
UVA damages skin long-term
SPF is determined by testing 20 sun-
sensitive people and measuring the amount
of UV rays (in time) it takes to turn skin red
without sunscreen. Then it is repeated with
sunscreen and the average burn time with
sunscreen is divided by the average burn
time without sunscreen number.
Calculate how long a sunscreen will protect
you:
Mins to burn without X SPF number = max sun
exposure time.
5. +
Sunscreen
SPF
% UV
absorbed
2 50
4 70
8 87.5
15 93.3
30 96.7
50 98
The previous formula only works if you use the
proper amount of sunscreen
the average person only uses half as much as
recommended amount.
A higher SPF does not mean an exponential
increase in UVB absorption.
FDA has proposed a cap on SPF with anything
above 50 reading 50+ to prevent public
perception that SPF 80 is significantly more
protective.
6. +
Sunscreen: What to Buy
Type of Sunscreen
Physical (inorganic)
previously called sunblock, often contains zinc
Newer formulations are invisible
Chemical – standard sunscreen
SPF
o At least SPF 15
o But not much benefit over SPF 50
Broad Spectrum
Waterproof
o DOES NOT EXIST!
o Water resistant lasts either 40 or 80 minutes
without reapplication.
7. +
Sunscreen: 2011 FDA Changes
• Should include
UVA
information:
labeled broad
spectrum.
• Can no longer
be labeled:
waterproof, swe
atproof or as a
sunblock.
• Duration (40 or
80 minutes) of
water
resistance
should be clear.
8. +
Sunscreen: How to apply
All types of sunscreen should be applied
15-30 minutes prior to outdoor activity.
Physical sunscreens are immediately
effective.
Throw it away if past expiration date or
over two years old.
Apply generously.
Experts recommend half a teaspoon each
for the head, neck, and each arm and a
teaspoon each for the chest area, the back,
and each leg.
Or, a one-ounce shot glass full for an
average-sized adult.
Reapply every two hours or per water
exposure directions on bottle.
9. +
Don’t miss a spot!
Most commonly missed spots:
Creases of elbows and knees
Feet
Hands (these are exposed to the sun daily!)
Ears and behind ears
Scalp and neck
Don’t forget lip protection!
UVC - Most Damaging,Little makes it through atmosphereUVB -More damaging,Most common cause of skin cancerUVA-Least powerful,Present all year long, penetrates windows
Clothes – they make UV protective water wear/ sports shirts. If you don’t have these, dark, tighter weaves offer more protection than a thin white t-shirt. Wet clothes allow more UV lights in. Sunglassess will state that they have UVA/B protection tp to 98-99% - make sure they are large enough to cover your chidl’s eyes.Shade does not protect from UV rays, but it can help. Clear window glass protects from UVB/C rays but not UVA. If you are driving for extended periods of time, consider purchasing a window shade to protect your child.
What to look for: There are chemical (most sunscreens) and physical (zinc oxide – white noses) – newer applications are invisible after application. This is best of very pale kids that burn easily or areas like noses and ears that are susceptible to burns.SPF rates the UVB protection based on how long it takes a standard person to burn
2008 SEER study in Arch. Derm (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)