How to be sun savvy

Bronzed today, wrinkled tomorrow -- the effects of tanning are anything but pretty. Like sunburns, tans are signs of injured skin and can cause skin cancer and premature aging (think wrinkles earlier in life). To preserve your health, and your beauty, forego sunbathing and protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

Sun-protection messages abound each year but according to Dr. Jason Rivers, a professor of dermatology at the University of British Columbia, some of us still aren't listening. "There's a disconnection between knowledge and behaviour," he says. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, over 50 per cent of Canadians do not use any sun protection.

A rise in skin cancer rates in Canada may also indicate that we're just not heeding safety recommendations. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 4,200 new cases of malignant melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) will be diagnosed in 2004, up from 3,900 in 2003.

You can prevent skin cancer and premature aging by always protecting skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB). And people with red hair, freckles, moles and fair skin that burns easily need to be especially diligent with protection because they are at a greater risk for skin cancer and other sun damage.

Sunscreen smarts
Sunscreen may be the most important component of sun safety. Its sun protection factor (SPF) helps block or screen harmful UV rays. Yet, it's often misused. Rivers says people mistakenly only put it on once, don't regularly apply before going outside and just use a third to a half of what's needed. "People think that by using it, they'll prevent all the damage. Sunscreen has to be used properly for it to have the effect that is stated on the bottle," he says.

Click to continue to how to use sunscreen...

Here's how to use sunscreen correctly:

How and where: Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care suggests creamy, white sunscreens should appear white on your skin after application. Put sunscreen on before makeup, and wear lipstick or lip balm with SPF 15 because both are good sunblocks. "One of the more serious forms of skin cancer can happen on the lip and spread to other organs," Rivers says. 

When: Health Canada recommends applying sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, and again 20 minutes after being outdoors. Then, reapply frequently, about every two to three hours, especially after sweating or swimming.

Which one: Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens, which offer UVA and UVB protection. Until recently, SPF 15 was recommended but, Rivers says, "we generally recommend [SPF] 30 now, because people don't put it on properly (which reduces protection)."

Protection plus:
While sunscreens are important, they don't offer complete protection from the sun. Here are other safety pointers, from the CDA and Canadian Cancer Society:

• Avoid sun exposure from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plan regular outdoor activities before or after that time frame. If you're out during the "dangerous hours," seek shade and cover up with clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Consult the UV index year-round. When it climbs above three, take precautions, Rivers says. The higher the UV, the more protection necessary.
• Be weather wise. Rivers says that 80 per cent of UV rays can penetrate through light clouds and harm skin. As well, water, concrete and snow reflect the sun so be extra diligent with protection in those conditions.

You don't have to stay indoors all summer to be sun safe. Enjoy the season, but do so with sensibility and caution. Remember, protected skin today means healthier and more beautiful skin in the future.