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Written by: The Center for Health and Wellness
With Spring Break next week, sunshine is on students’ minds.
Question 1: I was in the drugstore the other day and noticed that they now have sun blocks with spf 100. Is this necessary? What should I look for when I buy sunscreen?
A sunscreen with SPF 100 is not necessary. The American Academy of Dermatology states that “an SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays, an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays, and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays. An SPF number (Sun Protection Factor) relates to the amount of time an individual can stay in the sun without getting burned by UVB rays.”
Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure to all parts of the body – don’t forget the border where your swimsuit meets your body, lips, ears, back of hands, feet and neck. It should also be reapplied every 2 hours, after swimming or excessive perspiration. Sweat proof or waterproof products are preferred, and you should choose a sunscreen which blocks UVA and UVB rays as they can cause skin cancer as well as premature aging and wrinkles. Since Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old, it is best to protect yourself, even on cloudy days.
Please keep in mind that people with fair complexions, blond or red hair, light blue or green eyes, or freckles usually burn much faster than others and should be much more careful to use sunscreen vigilantly and avoid direct exposure during peak hours. But, even those with darker skin tones can sustain significant sunburns—therefore everyone needs sunscreen! One other risk factor is sun-sensitizing medications. Some common prescription & over-the-counter drugs, including antibiotics can increase the chance of burning.
Question 2: I’ve been going to the tanning booth trying to build a base tan before I travel on Spring break. My friends tell me self tanning sprays or lotions are safer. Is this true?
Your friends are correct, self tanning lotions, or spray tans are much safer then tanning beds. Most skin cancers are attributable to over-exposure to natural UV radiation (UVA and UVB waves) and from artificial sources such as tanning beds. The tanning bed UV light is made up of longer UVA rays which penetrate more deeply, causing more damage.
The US Department of Health and Human Services declared that UV exposure from artificial sources like tanning beds is a known cancer causing agent. In fact, seven separate studies concluded that exposure to tanning beds prior to the age of 35 increases an individual’s risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent. Increased exposure to UV rays from tanning can lead to pre-mature aging, suppressed immune system and even risk of developing cataracts.
Although having a tan is sometimes associated with being healthy, having a faux tan may be a healthier option. Just remember you should still avoid/ limit exposure to UVA & UVB rays and wear sun screen.
Do you have a question about health, dieting, fitness, alcohol, drugs, or sex that you always wanted to ask? The Center for Health and Wellness is sponsoring a column and we want to hear your questions or concerns. All identifying information will remain confidential. To submit, please email healthcenter@bentley.edu with “health question” in the subject line.
“B Well Informed” provides health information for educational purposes. Answers in this column are not intended as professional medical advice or diagnosis. You should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical diagnosis, treatment or advice.
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