Health Tips: Importance of Sunscreen
Sutter Women's Services

This health tip is brought to you by Dr. Michael A. Trauner, who is with Sutter Medical Group, board-certified in Dermatology.

Getting too much sun can be harmful to your skin. You probably already wear sunscreen when you are at the beach, lounging by a pool, attending an outdoor event, or just walking around on a hot summer day. But the sun’s rays affect our skin every day.

The sun radiates light to the earth, and part of that light consists of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these rays reach the skin, they cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage. There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. Both can harm your skin.

Even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days, 80% of harmful UV rays travel through the clouds and reflect off sand, water, and even concrete. Clouds and pollution don't filter out UV rays, and they can give a false sense of protection. This "invisible sun" can cause unexpected sunburns and skin damage.

We all need some sun exposure; it's our primary source of Vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn't take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, and unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and even skin cancer.

Here are some helpful tips to protect your skin from sun damage:

• First, avoid being in the sun for prolonged times when it's highest overhead and therefore the strongest (normally from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the northern hemisphere).
• One of the best ways to protect your family from the sun is to cover up and shield skin from UV rays. Ensure that clothes will screen out harmful UV rays by placing your hand inside the garments and making sure you can't see your hand through them.
• Choose a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher and one that has broad spectrum coverage (for UVA and UVB rays). Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 to 3 hours, and remember to reapply after you sweat or swim. Seeking shade is always a good alternative for sun protection.
• It is important to start protecting your skin early in life, but it is never too late to protect your skin at any age.