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Skin Damage Caused By Sun Exposure
The key to being sun-safe, says Dr. Eichler, is vigilant use of sunscreen whenever you will be outdoors, throughout the year. Here he offers his other tips for protecting skin from sneaky, dangerous sun damage: Check Expiration Dates: 62% percent of people surveyed in a recent Harris poll* conducted for PreSun® Sunscreen products indicate they do not purchase a new sunscreen at the start of every spring/summer season (instead, using what was left from last summer). Dr. Eichler advises checking the expiration dates on bottles of sunscreen you’ve had for a while. “Extreme temperatures can shorten sunscreen’s shelf life, too, including being in a suitcase or hot car, so it’s safest to buy a new bottle at least every summer season,” explains Dr. Eichler. No Excuses: Some survey respondents admitted that they don’t use sunscreen because they don’t like the way it feels on their skin. “If cream sunscreens feel too heavy, try a gel or spray, such as PreSun® Gel, which has a light feel,” says Dr. Eichler, “or, PreSun® Spray, which is quick to apply and very light, making it great for kids and active adults.” “In addition to protecting skin from UVB rays, PreSun Sunscreen products are formulated to protect skin from UVA rays with Parsol® 1789, which is widely regarded as one of the most effective UVA blockers.” UVA rays are mainly linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, but are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers. UVB rays are mainly responsible for direct damage to the DNA, and are the rays that cause sunburns. They are also thought to cause most skin cancers. Pre-apply and Re-apply: “For optimum protection, it is imperative that sunscreen be pre-applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure so it has time to absorb into your skin, and then re-applied every 80 minutes, after swimming or when there is excessive sweating. “Don’t wait until you feel your skin burning to reapply -- that’s too late. Even one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of getting melanoma later in life,” warns Dr. Eichler, “so frequently re-apply sunscreen to yourself and your children.” Dr. Eichler advises, when applying sunscreen, pay close attention to your face, ears, hands, and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered by clothing. “If you’re going to be wearing insect repellent or makeup, sunscreen should be applied before those products.” Be Generous: About 1 ounce of sunscreen (a "palmful") should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult. For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. “Products labeled "waterproof" may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when swimming or sweating,” explains Dr. Eichler. “Products that are "water resistant" may provide protection for only 40 minutes. Remember that sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel yourself dry, so you will need to reapply.” The ABCs of SPF: In addition to an effective broad-spectrum sun-blocking ingredient, such as Parsol® 1789, look for a sunscreen product with a minimum of SPF 15. SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor” and represents the level of protection a sunscreen provides: SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays and SPF 30, blocks about 98%, explains Dr. Eichler. “For most people, an SPF15 will be adequate for short and less intense sun exposures but SPF30 is recommended if you are going to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time or intense sunshine.” Don’t Be A Tanning Fool: If you think because you have a tan you don’t need to wear sunscreen or that you naturally have dark skin, you couldn’t be more wrong. “People with darker pigmented skin, such as African-Americans, or those who tan easily are still susceptible to skin cancer and should also practice sun safety habits,” advises Dr. Eichler. Made in the Shade: When spending the day outside, take frequent breaks under a tree or umbrella. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so try to avoid being in direct sunlight during these times. Whether you’re in the sun for fun or work, protective clothing, hats and sunglasses are important deterrents of UV rays. PreSun® Sunscreen products are available in leading drug stores, including Rite Aid, Snyders and Harmons, as well as supermarket and mass-market retailers nationwide. The complete line of products is available online at www.presundirect.com and www.drugstore.com. For more information about PreSun® Sunscreen products and sun safety, visit www.presun.com. www.HealthNewsDigest.com Top of Page 
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