• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

About Sunblock

October 11, 2009 by ModernMom Staff Leave a Comment

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the Women’s Dermatologic Society, more than 1 million new diagnoses are made each year. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. Sun exposure also can cause powerful damage to skin–wrinkling, aging and spotting. Sunblock (also known as sunscreen) can protect your skin by absorbing or blocking harmful solar rays.

Effects

All sunblocks have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating. The SPF rating indicates how long a sunscreen will work for an individual. You can multiply the SPF by the time it takes your skin to sunburn. For example, if it takes 10 minutes to get sunburned, a sunblock with SPF 15 will protect for 150 minutes. If you don’t know how long it takes to get a sunburn, assume it’s about 10 minutes.

Types of Radiation

There are two types of solar radiation. UVA rays do not usually cause sunburn, but exposure can result in long-term skin damage, such as wrinkling and age spots. UVB rays cause sunburn and are a main cause of skin cancer.

Benefits

Chemical sunblocks absorb harmful UVA radiation before it can damage skin. Physical sunblocks reflect UVA and UVB rays from the body so they cannot reach the skin. Broad spectrum sunblocks combine several ingredients to block the widest range of UVA and UVB rays. The American Association of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using broad spectrum products with an SPF of 15 or more. Many dermatologists recommend sunblocks with SPF of 30 or more, especially for people with fair hair and light skin.

Considerations

Check the label of sunblock products before buying. Look for those that protect against UVA and UVB radiation. Apply sunblock 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow a protective covering to develop on your skin. Reapply it every two hours or after getting wet. Apply sunblock more frequently when sweating.

Misconceptions

No sunblock provides complete protection from the sun. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when UV radiation is strongest. If you’re planning to work outdoors or spend extended time in the sun, try to wear a hat and sunglasses, along with long-sleeve shirts and long pants.

Warning

Even regular sunblock users should conduct skin self-examinations every few months. Look for moles that have changed shape or size, itches, or bleeds. Other warning signs include sores that do not heal, growths with curled edges, scaly skin patches, depressed lesions or waxy-feeling skin. The AAD has a step-by-step guide to conducting skin self-exams.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Health/Fitness

About ModernMom Staff

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search

ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

The Little Boy On First Base

To all the coaches, parents, and fans of little … [Read More...] about The Little Boy On First Base

Must Have

winter

Pre-Holiday Must-Haves

"It's beginning to look  a lot like Christmas..." The … [Read More...] about Pre-Holiday Must-Haves

Did you know?

pregnant while not ovulating

Can I Get Pregnant While Not Ovulating?

Night Sweats During Pregnancy

Night Sweats During Pregnancy

10 foods to improve sperm count and quality

10 Foods to Improve Sperm Count and Quality

abdominal discomfort during first trimester of pregnancy

Abdominal Discomfort During First Trimester of Pregnancy

How to Fix a Broken Slab of Marble

substitution for oil in baking brownies

Substitution for Oil in Baking Brownies

Refrigerate Fresh Lemon Juice

How Long Can You Refrigerate Fresh Lemon Juice?

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2021 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.