freshare.net
More than 1 million skin cancer cases are diagnosed each year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, yet prevention is simple, according to Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
“The sun’s UV rays are the strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” she said. “A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 is important to help protect your skin from dangerous burns caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.”
It is never too late to prevent sun damage and possible incidents of skin cancer. McKinnon offered tips that may help prevent skin cancer:
* Choose sunscreen with both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B protection and an SPF of at least 15. If you will be outside for a while, look for a product with physical blocks like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These create a better reflective barrier between skin and rays than chemical sunscreen alone.
* Know the numbers: An SPF of 15 gives you 94 percent to 95 percent UVB coverage, while an SPF of 30 bumps up protection to just 97 percent.
* Allow time for the sunscreen to activate. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before heading out the door so that the chemical ingredients have ample time to react with the skin and start working.
* More can be better. Apply another coat after 20 minutes in the sun, then every two hours thereafter. These extra coats reduce UV exposure by 15 percent to 20 percent.
* Be fully covered. It will take about a shot-glass of sunscreen to cover you from head to toe. Apply clear formulas in particular in small, circular motions all over to make sure you don’t miss a spot. A spray can help you cover hard to reach areas.
* Don’t be compromised. Bug repellent, body lotion and high temperatures are all potential saboteurs. And while you should use a water resistant formula if you’ll be in and out of the pool, there’s no need to take chances. Be safe and reapply after swimming, especially since toweling off can also remove sunscreen.