Be sun safe Facts about sunscreen Published July 19, 2007 PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting more than 600,000 individuals annually. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one person dies from malignant melanoma every hour. People at high risk of getting melanoma are those who frequently have sunburns, red or blond hair, blue eyes, family history of melanoma, and fair skin. A frequent misconception is that a tanned body is a healthy body; this is not exactly correct. Tanning occurs when the sun's ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin's inner layer causing the skin to produce more melanin as a response to injury. Therefore, tanning does not help prevent skin cancer. One of the best protectors against skin cancer and aging is sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied daily, 30 minutes before going outdoors. One ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Commonly asked questions concerning sunscreen: What does the SPF mean on sunscreen? The Sun Protection Factor displayed on the sunscreen label ranges from 2 to 50. It reflects the product's screening ability for UVB rays. For example, if you use a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you can be in the sun 15 minutes longer that you can without sunscreen, before burning. How should I select a sunscreen? The sunscreen should be at least SPF 20 to SPF30 for most skin types. Using a cream, oil or lotion is a personal choice, but keep in mind that gel sunscreens tend to sweat off. Therefore, it needs to be reapplied more frequently. Choose a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen that protects against ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays. Look for the ingredient PABA, or para-aminobenzoic acid, in the sunscreen you buy. PABA is a UVB protecting agent. Also, look for UVA protecting agents such as oxylensone, sulisobenzone, and Parson 1789. Is there a difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant"? The FDA considers a product "water-resistant" if it maintains its SPF level after 40 minutes of water exposure. A product is considered "waterproof" if it maintains its SPF level following 80 minutes of exposure. Can I use the sunscreen I bought last summer, or do I need to purchase a new bottle each year? Does it lose strength? Check the expiration date. If there is not one, the FDA requires that all sunscreens be stable and at their original strength for at least three years. However, if you are using the appropriate amount, a bottle of sunscreen should not last you very long. Adhere to the following steps, recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, to enjoy the sun safely: · Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin · Wear a hat · Cover up · Wear sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV radiation · Seek shade when appropriate; remember that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. · Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the rays of the sun · Avoid tanning beds · Monitor the UV Index at www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html. For information, call the Health and Wellness Center at 556-6674.