Finding the Right Sunscreen

It is that time of year again to break out the sun block! With summer in full force it is important to know that there are many different types of sunscreens to consider when trying to protect yourself. 

Here is some advice when choosing the proper protection this summer. The FDA says that using 50 plus SPF may not be as useful as manufacturers claim them to be. SPF values only refer to protection from sunburn and they do not indicate protection against UVA rays, the harmful UV rays that contribute to skin cancer and skin aging. Another piece of advice is to specifically look for UVA protection labels on the sunscreen. Most sunscreens do not protect against UVA rays but rather protect against UVB rays, however the UVA rays are much more harmful. A suggestion is to look for mineral-based sunscreens as they effectively block UVA rays. Stay away from sunscreens that contain oxybenzone because it has been linked to allergic reactions and potential hormone disruption.

Try to use lotion over sprays or powder sunscreens because sprays are more often inhaled and go directly to the bloodstream.  Another one to avoid are lotions with vitamin A. Lesions are quicker to form on skin slathered with creams containing retinyl pamitate, which is also labeled as retinol or vitamin A. You should also avoid a sunscreen with insect repellent. Those two things need to be applied on different schedules. When the UV radiation is at its highest you should not rely on sunscreen solely. Try wearing hats and sunglasses for the ultimate protection. Last but not least reapply, reapply and reapply. Sunscreen washes off with water and can rub off with towels. Lastly men are twice as likely to die from melanoma in 2018 than women so protect yourself when spending long hours in the sun.

Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/which-sunscreen-is-right-for-you/

Sun Exposure

Now that summer has officially arrived, more people will be spending time outdoors in the sun. Sun is important for vitamin D intake, but there are some guidelines on how to spend time in the sun without acquiring risks. Typically five to 20 minutes of midday sun a day is beneficial, depending on skin type, the season and other variables but Gregory Plotnikoff, MD, states that this recommendation may depend on the person. He states that it is important to avoid burning your skin, regardless of skin tone. The lighter skin you have, the less sun you will need to have your body make adequate vitamin D. If you have a history of skin cancer, malignant melanoma or any genetic disorder that may steer you clear of spending time in sun, it is best to avoid spending time uncovered the sun. Supplementation of vitamin D would be critical in this situation. 

When exposing skin to the sun it may be best to expose parts of the body that are less susceptible to developing wrinkles or dark spots. The more areas of your body that are exposed, the less amount of time is needed to create vitamin D in the body. Midday sun affords the strongest amount of UVB rays, which help make vitamin D, so less amount of time is needed outdoors to make an adequate amount of vitamin D. The amount of sun exposure someone needs may depend on where they live and their daily activities, but it is truly dependent on the individual. To get the optimal amount of vitamin D, many will need some sort of supplementation. Your healthcare provider can provide information about getting your levels measured and supply a supplementation dose that is correct for you. To find out more ways to stay healthy, please visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com. 

Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/5-tips-for-healthy-sun-exposure/

Vitamin D

As the days become longer and sunnier in Minnesota, many people around the state will be increasing the amount of vitamin D they are exposed to. It can be challenging to know how much vitamin D is recommended for the general public. Jack Chalet in his article titled, “How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?” addresses this very issue. Poor vitamin D intake can cause a host of health issues such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, the common cold and influenza. Experts state there are a few ways to determine how much vitamin D you should be getting. One of the ways is to take a vitamin D test. The best test is called “25-hydroxy vitamin D”. 30 ng/mL is typically deemed an insufficient level but many doctors believe that level is acceptable. The optimal level is 40 ng/mL and even 50 ng/mL. People who participate in many outdoor activities like surfing or being a lifeguard can have levels at 70-90 ng/mL. 

Summer is a great time to increase your vitamin D levels. Michael Howick suggests that people can about 10 minutes of sun (depending on what time of day it is, geographical location and pigmentation of skin) before applying sunscreen. Vitamin D will last longer when it’s obtained from the sun rather than when taken as a supplement or from food. If it is not summer and you are not receiving an adequate amount of sunlight, it may be helpful to supplement with vitamin D. Most professional recommend vitamin D3. The general guidelines for supplementation are 2,000-3,000 IU a day for adults. A higher amount of vitamin D may be beneficial for those with chronic illnesses like arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia. As always, it is best to speak with a provider before beginning any new supplement. To find out more ways to stay healthy this summer, please visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com. 

Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/how-much-vitamin-d-should-you-take/?utm_source=home2

Sun Safety

According to the American Academy of Dermatology sun safety is critical for protecting skin against signs of aging and risk of developing cancer. Everyone should apply sunscreen any time they are exposed to the sun's rays because one in five Americans will receive a skin cancer diagnosis at some point. The AAD has helpful guidelines for safety in the sun. 

Experts suggest finding shaded areas during 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. because of the strong rays the sun emits in that time period. When you are in areas with water, snow or sand it is important to exercise more precaution because the sun's rays are reflective. It is best to wear protective items such as pants, hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts to block the rays when outside. 

It is imperative to use a minimum of SPF 30, waterproof, Broad Spectrum (UVA/UVB protection) sunscreen throughout the year. When applying sunscreen most people do not use enough. According to the AAD, it is recommended to use at least 1 oz. of sunscreen to cover parts of your body that will be exposed. 15 minutes before stepping outdoors, apply sunscreen in order for it to fully dry. Remember to reapply suncreen at least every 2 hours or after sweating and swimming since sunscreen tends to rub off. While it would seem that a higher SPF would protect against more harmful rays, the AAD assures that SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of the sun's rays. Higher SPF's may protect against more but no sunscreen can block all of the sun's rays. Remember to buy new sunscreen at least every three years and throw away bottles with past expiration dates. Sunscreen is not recommended for children under the age of 6 months, and infants also should not be exposed to the sun. If infants are outdoors, you can shield them from the rays by dressing them in protective clothing. When infants are fully covered, make sure that they do not get overheated and remember to give them liquids to keep them hydrated.

If you find yourself in a situation where you get sunburnt, there are a few ways to treat it. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking liquids and try taking a cool bath to reduce your overall body heat. You can use moisturizer or hydrocortisone cream to decrease skin dryness and discomfort from the sunburn.

Although Vitamin D is a critical vitamin for your health, the sun is not the only way to obtain this vitamin. Vitamin D supplements can be taken or added through food choices. There has been speculation as of late that sunscreen can be toxic, but the AAD assures that any side effects from sunscreen does not outweigh the risk of developing skin cancer. 

While following all these safety regulations it is also important to do a self-check of one's body or see a dermatologist every year to see if there have been changes in skin, moles or bleeding. 

Sources: 

https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs