Sun Protection Beyond the Beach
While many are likely to be diligent about wearing sunscreen at the beach and the pool, but protecting your skin goes beyond summer activities. The sun’s rays are everywhere — even indoors, exposure to UV rays can occur. This can cause damage such as sun burns and premature aging every single day. As the rates of adult and pediatric melanoma increase, education and prevention are more important than ever.
Types Of Sun Rays
How does the sun affect your skin?
- Infrared-A Radiation (IRA): Antioxidants neutralize and limit the aging effects of free radicals generated by IRA
- Ultraviolet A (UVA): AGING. Penetrates through clouds & glass to reach deep into the skin all day long and throughout the year
- Ultraviolet B (UVB): BURNING. Most intense exposure from 10am – 4pm
Did You Know?
Exposure to the sun’s UV radiation is responsible for 90% of non-melanoma1 and 86% of melanoma2 skin cancers.
From the Mountains to the Sea
Being aware of your surroundings may be the most critical part of skin protection since UV rays are more harmful in certain environments.
90% of UV rays reach Earth on cloudy days
UV levels + 4% per 1,000 feet rise in altitude
Water reflection intensifies UV rays by +10-20%
Sand reflection intensifies UV rays by +15-25%
Snow reflection intensifies UV rays by +50-80%
50% of UVA rays pass through windows
60% of UVA rays penetrate through car windows
Did You Know?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, making daily protection vitally important
ABCDEs of Skin Health
It’s vital to examine your skin head-to-toe each month and to understand the differences between a benign or a potentially malignant lesion. Be sure to talk to your dermatologist when you see any changes on your skin – the sooner melanoma is diagnosed, the more successfully it can be treated.
| Benign | Malignant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AsYMMETRY | Symmetrical |
 |
Asymmetrical |
 |
| Border | Smooth borders |
 |
Irregular (blurry or jagged) borders |
 |
| Color | Single color |
 |
Multicolor |
 |
| Diameter | Small than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch) |
 |
Larger than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch) |
 |
| Evolution | No changes |
 |
Sudden changes in size, shape, or color |
 |
By the Numbers
skin cancers are diagnosed annually*
by applying broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher on a daily basis*
Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of their lifetime*
by using a sunscreen daily*
Sun Protection TipsProtect Your Family
It’s essential to make sunscreen a part of your and your loved ones’ daily routine
Application
Apply 1 finger length of product to the face and 2 finger lengths to each other part of the body.
Re-Application
Reapply frequently – no sunscreen is completely waterproof, sweat-proof or rub-proof, especially after sweating and swimming.
TIP: A tinted sunscreen compact is perfect to protect skin and refresh makeup.
Infants
Infants 6 months and older should wear sunscreen, but it’s always best to keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
Restoration
After several hours of exposure to the sun, nourish your skin with a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that restores the skin and combats moisture loss.
Mineral Or Chemical?Choosing the Right Sunscreen
By using a daily sunscreen, you can provide your skin with the protection it needs. Discover the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens to find the right formula for you.
Mineral Sunscreen
- Sits on top of skin and reflects UV rays, like a physical block
- Effective immediately upon application
- Formulated with natural minerals like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
- Ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive
- Typically more reef-friendly than Chemical
Chemical Sunscreen
- Absorbs into skin and converts UV rays into heat, which then dissipates
- Effective 20-30 minutes after application once product fully absorbs
- Formulated with chemicals like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
- Not ideal for sensitive skin
- Can disrupt hormone balance and harm sea life