Canyon Ranch (Arizona)
Having a healthy glow sure ain't what it used to be.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there's been a staggering 1,800 percent increase in malignant melanoma cases in the U.S. since 1930. And recent figures show an alarming rise in skin cancers among people in their twenties and thirties.
There are alternatives to staying inside in the dark, however. You can get outside safely if you understand sun protection.
Sunscreen Basics
Sunscreen contains chemical compounds that absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, the part of the spectrum of sunlight that causes burning and damage. When sunscreen is applied to the skin, it forms an invisible, protective layer that blocks damaging UV rays. Besides protecting you from sunburn, full-spectrum sunscreens also help prevent premature aging, skin cancer and pre-cancerous growths. You always want to use a broad- or full-spectrum sunscreen that protects you against both UVA and UVB rays and has a minimum SPF of 15.
SPF stands for Sunburn Protection Factor. People's tendency to burn varies so much that the degree of protection is expressed as a multiplier of the time it would take a given person to burn - someone who would begin to burn after 12 minutes in the sun could be out for 120 minutes wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 10, for example, while a person who would start to burn after 6 minutes could only be out safely for an hour wearing the same product. The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection. For most people, SPF 15 is fine for most days; for outdoor sports, SPF 30 is probably a better choice. People who are very sun-sensitive will want to choose a higher number.
By the way, it's important to remember that SPF values cannot be added to increase protection. For example, if you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 10 and then an SPF of 15, you will not have a protection factor of 25. You'll only have the SPF protection of the highest number applied, which, in this case, would be 15.
On Beyond SPF
SPF is not the whole picture, however, since many conventional sunscreens effectively block the UVB rays that cause burning without offering much protection from the UVA rays that damage DNA. UVA rays cause premature aging and melanoma, one of deadliest of all cancers. In fact, several studies have shown that melanoma rates are highest in regions where sunscreen use is also highest. This is probably because people using sunscreens that protect them from UVB rays are able to be out in the sun longer, so they accumulate extra damage from cancer-causing UVA rays.
Even some sunscreens that claim to be "broad-spectrum" may offer little protection against UVA. Consequently, you need to check the ingredients as well as the SPF: Always look for sunscreen with at least one of the following ingredients: zinc oxide, avobenzone, parasol and ecamsule. These chemicals offer more complete protection for the skin from UVA rays.
Some of the newest products out there are mineral sunscreens and makeup that contains micronized titanium dioxide and micronized zinc oxide. These minerals offer sun protection that will not clog the pores or dry the skin. They're ideal for sensitive skin, provide instant protection and are water-resistant.
Some sunscreens also contain antioxidants that can significantly reduce the signs of previous sun damage while protecting your skin. Look for sunscreens that contain vitamin E, coenzyme Q-10, and vitamin C.
Remember that if you're really spending time outside, sunscreen should be applied not just to face, neck and d?collet?, but to the entire body. Don't forget the tops of your ears or your lips: Never forget to use SPF 15 or higher lip balm. Also be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen to your hands and forearms, which probably get more exposure than you realize when you're in the car.
Slather!
The best sunscreen in the world won't do a thing for you if you don't apply it, or don't reapply zealously. Choose a water-resistant or waterproof product if you're going to be swimming or sweating a great deal, and apply sunscreen three or more times daily if you're participating in outdoor activities. Even if your sunscreen is waterproof, reapply after swimming or breaking a sweat.
You'll need to be especially vigilant if you're outside around water or snow, both of which reflect UV rays back up from the surface. The air gets thinner and the sun becomes more damaging the higher you go, so skiing, hiking and climbing at high altitudes are activities that call for extreme sunscreen awareness.
Do take advantage whenever possible of the best of all sunscreens: shade. Cover up as much as possible with hat, sunglasses and protective clothing: Some lines of clothing are made from fabric that offers protection from up to 98% of UVA and UVB - that's 50+ SPF. Even conventional clothing offers some protection, though. When in doubt, keep your shirt and hat on.
Buck the trend
Don't be part of the rising skin-cancer statistics. Use sunscreen and make hats and cover-up clothing part of your everyday wardrobe. If you miss the tan, try bronzers and self-tanning products to get the color you want. Your skin will thank you for it - year after year after year.
http://www.canyonranch.com/
(800)742-9000 (413)637-4100
