May 26, 2007 3 min read

The long Memorial Day weekend is unofficially the start of summer — and many of us will be outside, planting flowers, working in the yard and even playing in the sun. New research suggests sunscreen alone isn’t protective enough from the sun’s rays.

Hats, along with sunscreen, may be the best defense against skin cancer. For instance, one with an extended bill and a back flap to cover the ears and neck is particularly effective.

Following are additional suggestions for sun safety.

– If you must be out in the sun, cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, preferably made with tightly woven fabric. Also, wear long sleeves and light-colored pants.

– Use sunscreen products. Sunscreens are rated with a number called a sun protection factor (SPF) The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection. Use SPF 15 or greater. SPF 30 sunscreens are only about 3 or 4 percent more effective.

– Apply sunscreens properly. Some sunscreens need time to bind with the skin oils and should be applied 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. Cover all exposed areas, including palms, ears, and nose. Reapply to the body and face about every three hours, and reapply after swimming. Don’t forget to use it in the shade and on cloudy days. Some UV rays still get through.

– Use lip balm that contains sunscreen. The lower lip is one of the most common sites for skin cancer.

– Be alert to reflected UV light from sand, water, cement, or snow.

– Wear sunglasses that filter out ultraviolet radiation. Those that block out more than 70 percent of UVB rays are good choices.

– When traveling, remember that radiation increases at higher altitudes. Radiation also increases the closer you get to the equator.

– Stay out of the sun when taking certain medications (such as antibiotics and diuretics) that make the skin more light-sensitive. Check with your doctor.

– Finally, try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Keep infants and young children out of the sun as much as possible. Eighty percent of the sun’s damage occurs within the first 18 years of life.

For more information, contact your health care provider.

From: “Solution Source” a Web-based information system from Penn State Cooperative Extension. For information on other health related topics visit this site at: a href=”http://solutions.psu.edu http://solutions.psu.edu end

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Cathy Brady and Don Fretts are educators with the Penn State Cooperative Extension, an educational network that gives people access to the resources and expertise of Penn State University. Penn State Cooperative Extension is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and county governments. Local extension educators and volunteers can be reached at fayettext@psu.edu or by phone at 724-438-0111.

For more information, check the extension Web site at www.extension.psu.edu.