How to stay sunny, smart and safe
With the unofficial start of summer comes the deep dive into outdoor, exposed-in-thesun activities synonymous with Southern California living.
But all of that extra time at the beach, road-tripping, hiking, volleyball playing, barbecuing or even just driving around when it’s so crazy hot and sunny outside comes at a price, including burned skin, accelerated aging and even cancer.
Yet Americans aren’t getting the memo and taking action to protect themselves, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Only 14.3% of men and 29.9% of women reportedly regularly use sunscreen on their face and other exposed skin.
And the National Cancer Institute reports skin melanoma cases have been rising on average 1.4% each year over the last 10 years. If that’s not enough to persuade you to start adding sunscreen to your daily routine, there’s this: A L’Oreal Research study reports that 80% of visible facial aging seems to be caused by UV exposure.
“We are more susceptible to melanoma in L.A. because we have more chances of sunburns thanks to our year-round amazing weather and beach culture,” says Beverly Hills dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Moy, former co-chief of the UCLA division of dermatology.
Experts share seven sunscreen tips to help keep you safe this Memorial Day weekend and beyond: Avoid the sun at its peak one is obvious, but bears repeating: Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when rays are at their most intense.
Lotion is not enough Wear UV-protection sunglasses, broadbrimmed hats and protective clothing including ultraviolet protection factor (particularly UPF 30+) clothing. “People who wear just sunscreen get more burned than someone also wearing a hat or other clothing,” says Sonya Lunder, senior analyst for the Environmental Working Group.
Slather it on Apply about a shot glass full of sunscreen “every two hours,” says Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi. “Every time you sweat it out you have to apply it again.” And in case you are wondering: All skin colors need sun protection.
Read the label Look for a “broad spectrum” sunscreen, which will protect you from both UVB and UVA rays. “UVB rays are the chief cause of sunburn and skin inflammation,” says Moy. “UVA rays play a major role in skin aging and wrinkling. Both UVB and UVA rays can cause gene mutations and skin cancer.”
Rethink sprays and towelettes “Sprays and towelettes may not give uniform adequate protection,” says Moy. “Traditional sunscreen cream is the best way to ensure maximum protection.”
Oh, baby The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not exposing babies younger than 6 months to sun. If unavoidable, apply an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.
Are super-high SPFs worth it? “Just for context, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98%,” says Moy. SPF 15 or higher is recommended.
health@latimes.com