There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it – exposure to UVA and UVB radiation will damage skin. The redness and burning sensation of a sunburn indicates temporary overexposure to UV radiation. If prolonged, unprotected exposure to UV rays can have consequences ranging from premature aging to skin cancer. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.¹
All adults should make it a habit to check their skin and moles every 3 months. If you're at risk for developing skin cancer, have a board-certified dermatologist examine your moles at least once a year.
Melanomas can develop in between visits to your skin cancer doctor, therefore you should know how to check your own skin and moles.
If you find any new or suspicious spots on your skin or any spots that are changing, itching, or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.
To learn more about skin cancer and find a free skin cancer screening near you, visit SpotSkinCancer.org.
Proper sun care education is our first line of defense in the fight against skin cancer.
We all know getting sunburned isn't good for you, but for some of us, our suncare knowledge stops there. Here at Sonrei, we believe not only in premium sunscreen, but also premium education about that sphere of hot plasma we call the sun.
Take this 60-second sun care quiz and we'll send you 10% OFF your next purchase!
In order to effectively prevent the damaging effects of UV radiation, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has developed the following guidelines for sunscreens², which Sonrei meets and exceeds:
☑ Sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least SPF 30
☑ Water Resistant
☑ Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection
The recommended amount of sunscreen per application for the average person is 1 fluid ounce.
A simple way to remember how much sunscreen to apply is imagine the amount of sunscreen that would fit in a shot glass or the size of a golf ball.
Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.
For all you fellow parents, we recommend inquiring with your doctor before using sunscreen on your little ones under 6 months of age.
Areas nearer to the equator and at higher elevations experience more UV radiation, as UV rays have less distance to travel through the atmosphere to reach the ground, which means a lower likelihood they'll be absorbed by the ozone layer and atmospheric aerosols.
Ultraviolet radiation is strongest between 10am and 4pm during late spring, summer, and early fall for the same reason – UV rays contend with less of the atmosphere at these times and seasons.
Just because it's winter or the weather is cloudy doesn't mean you're safe from UV radiation, so make your sun protection habits year-round. Some types of cloud cover even increase exposure to UV rays because they return rays reflected from the ground back towards the surface.
On that note, snow and a variety of other surfaces will reflect many of the UV rays that reach them. In addition to wearing Sonrei sunscreen, sunglasses rated for 100% UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat will help protect your skin from reflected UV rays.
¹Stern RS. Prevalence of a history of skin cancer in 2007: results of an incidence-based model. Arch Dermatol. 2010 Mar;146(3):279-82.
²https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs
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