A Closer Look into UVA and UVB Protection - Melisse & Co. Beauty

A Closer Look into UVA and UVB Protection

Did you know UVB rays, are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancers? UVA rays also contributes to skin cancer and premature aging. Sunscreens labeled "broad spectrum” protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Only products that pass a certain test can be labeled “broad spectrum.” Products that aren’t broad spectrum must carry a warning that they only protect against sunburn, not skin cancer or skin aging.

Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. No sunscreen protects you completely. The FDA requires any sunscreen with SPF below 15 to carry a warning that it only protects against sunburn, not skin cancer or skin aging.

Furthermore, “Water resistant” does not mean “waterproof.” No sunscreens are waterproof or “sweatproof,” and manufacturers are not allowed to claim that they are. If a product’s front label makes claims of being water resistant, it must specify whether it lasts for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. For best results, reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel yourself dry, so you will need to put more on.

Other Ways to Stay Sun-Safe

In addition to choosing the right sunscreen and using it correctly, follow these steps to help protect your skin from sun damage that can cause premature aging and skin cancer.

Cover up. When you are out in the sun, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV light.

Seek shade. Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. Both can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.

References:

• The National Center for Biotechnology Information
• American Cancer Society
• Skin Cancer Foundation
• Time Magazine

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