Tips for staying safe in the sun: From sunscreen to sunglasses

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Applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses are safe skin protection measures when exposed to UV rays in the sun. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing to evaluate sunscreen products to ensure that active sunscreen ingredients are safe and effective to help protect skin from sunburn, cancer, and skin cancer. skin cancer and premature skin aging caused by the sun.

1. Reduces the risk of sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging caused by the sun

Sun damage to the body is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and we cannot see ultraviolet rays. One of the skin damage caused by the sun is sunburn. A tan is also a sign that the skin is reacting to potentially harmful UV radiation by producing additional pigment to protect the skin but is often insufficient and leads to sunburn.
No matter what color you have, the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer is the same with prolonged sun exposure. However, you can reduce this risk by:
Limit your exposure to the sun, especially between 10-14 hours, which is when the sun's radiation is at its strongest. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to cover exposed skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher often and as directed on the product label, even when it's cloudy. For infants under 6 months of age, read the information on the product label to ensure the correct use of infant sunscreen, and consult a healthcare professional before applying sunscreen to your baby. Areas to apply sunscreen include uncovered areas such as the nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and around the lips, but avoid the mouth and eyes. Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and maybe more if you are swimming or sweating, paying attention to the amount of cream recommended for each age and certain audience. Sunscreen can be used on the top of your head if you don't have a lot of hair, or you can wear a hat to cover your head. Note that sunscreen cannot completely block UV radiation and so other protective measures such as sun-protective clothing, sunglasses and staying in the shade are required to limit sun exposure. God.

2. Why is it important to read the information on product labels carefully before applying sunscreen?

Sunburn is mainly caused by UVB rays, but skin cancer is caused by both UVA and UVB rays. Most sunscreens provide UVB protection, only broad-spectrum sunscreens help protect against UVA rays to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging caused by sunlight. sunshine.
Therefore, it is very important and necessary to read product information printed on sunscreens to know certain active ingredients in sunscreens and their effects that have been approved by the FDA. approved before applying sunscreen :
Look out for sunscreen products that are labeled as FDA-approved broad-spectrum sunscreens. Look for warnings about skin aging and skin cancer on sunscreens that are not broad-spectrum or have an SPF of at least 15, specifically: “Skin aging, skin cancer warning: Risk of aging Skin aging and skin cancer are increased if you stay in the sun for too long. The effect of this product is only to help prevent sunburn, not to prevent premature skin aging or skin cancer (proven).” The sunscreen's water resistance information, usually 40 or 80 minutes, shows how long you can stay protected while swimming or sweating. Usually manufacturers do not claim that sunscreen products are "waterproof" or "sweat resistant". Products may not be identified as “sunblocks” or provide temporary protection or provide protection for more than 2 hours without reapplication.

3. Which objects are easily affected by the sun's UV radiation?

People of all skin colors are at equal risk for sunburn and other harmful effects of UV radiation. So protect yourself from the sun, especially if you are in the following categories:
You have light skin tone You have blonde, red or light brown hair You are being treated for skin cancer Your family has people with skin cancer If you are taking medication, ask your healthcare professional about sun exposure precautions as some medicines can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Sun. Even when it's cloudy, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds.
FDA is committed to ensuring that current sunscreen products are safe and effective for consumers as the number of skin cancer cases has been increasing in recent years. The FDA requires that all sunscreen products with an SPF value of 15 or higher be broad-spectrum, and so sunscreens with a higher SPF are on the rise.
FDA also proposes to change the SPF value on product labels to make it easier for consumers to compare and choose sunscreens with each other. FDA recommends raising the maximum SPF value from SPF 50+ to SPF 60+.

4. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses

Sunlight reflecting off sand, water or even snow further increases your exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of eye diseases. So you need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Note the following when using sunglasses:
Choose sunglasses labeled with a 100% UVA or UVB rating for the best UV protection. It's not that dark sunglasses provide better UV protection. Many sunglasses with light tones, such as green, amber, red, and gray can provide UV protection. Children should wear sunglasses marked with UV protection. Toy sunglasses may not offer UV protection, so look for UV protection information on the product label. Consider those with large, wrap-around frames, which can provide more effective UV protection because they cover the entire eye socket. Wearing sunglasses is especially important when playing or doing activities on the water because UV rays reflect off the surface of the water very high. Sometimes expensive sunglasses don't guarantee better UV protection. Even if you are wearing contact lenses, wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes. Wearing sunglasses is more effective when you wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen. When applying sunscreen to protect skin under the sun, it is necessary to carefully read the information printed on the product packaging.

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Article referenced source: FDA