SUMMER BREEZE… DR. KAREN’S GUIDE TO SUNSCREEN WRITTEN BY DR. KAREN PENDLETON
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f you’ve ever experienced a sunburn, then you know all too well about the negative effects the sun can have on your health. Heat rash, premature aging, and skin cancer are other painful outcomes from being outdoors without adequate protection. But spending time in the sun—wisely— can prove valuable to our health. Sunlight
1 SPF stands for sun protection factor and is helpful when comparing the strength of two different sunscreens. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 2 UVA: Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which consists of different types of rays. UVA rays have the longest wavelength and can lead to damage deep in the skin, cause skin to age prematurely, and are associated with some skin cancers. 3 About 95% of the rays that reach the ground are UVA rays. 4 UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and damage the outermost layers of the skin. Overexposure to UVB rays leads to sunburn and damage to your DNA. They are
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increases serotonin in the brain, which is associated with improved mood and energy levels. It also creates vitamin D, which can aid in heart health, increase weight loss, and boost immunity. This article will answer some of the questions I’m often asked about enjoying summer safely, but first let’s set the stage with a few definitions:
also thought to cause the most skin cancers. 5 About 5% of the UV rays that reach the ground are UVB rays. 6 UVC rays have the shortest wavelengths and can cause the most serious damage—but fortunately, the ozone layer (what’s left of it) filters these out. These rays never reach the ground. 7 Welding torches, mercury lamps, and special bacteriakilling light bulbs are examples of man-made sources of UVC. 8 As a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist, know that chronic exposure to acute intense UVC rays can lead to cataract formation and retinal damage.
