We tend to spend more time outdoors during the summer, especially with our kids. But the sun’s warm rays transmit danger in the form of skin cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet light in the sun’s rays begins to damage unprotected skin from childhood. It results in an increased risk of skin cancer in adulthood, and the destruction of collagen and elastin in our skin which causes thinning, wrinkling and skin spots (texture and pigment irregularities).
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Skin is the body’s largest organ and our greatest defense against the environment. As such, it’s important to protect it from the sun’s damaging rays.
Following is a true/false quiz to test your Sun Protection Factor (SPF) IQ:
1. SPF is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to protect my skin from cancer.
False. SPF measures only UVB protection. Light from the sun contains different wavelengths of ultraviolet light. UVA is most closely associated with cancer and aging, whereas UVB rays primarily cause burning.
2. If I use sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” then I will be protected from UVA and UVB.
False. “Broad spectrum” is not regulated. Read the labels and look for products containing avobenzone or helioplex. The best overall blockers also contain zinc oxide and titanium oxide.