Scott health center gives advice for sun protection Published July 8, 2009 By Courtesy of the Health and Wellness Center 375th Airlift Wing SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- When out in the sun, wear clothing to protect as much skin as possible. Dark colors generally provide more protection than light colors. A tightly woven fabric protects better than loosely woven clothing. Dry fabric is generally more protective than wet fabric. A doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide information to the risk of any medicines you may be taking that could increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Read the labels: When selecting a sunscreen product, be sure to read the label before buying. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen--a higher number means more protection. Check for an expiration date on the sunscreen container to be sure it is still effective. Most sunscreen products are no longer as effective after two to three years. Apply sunscreen properly. Always follow the label directions. Most recommend applying sunscreen generously to dry skin 20 to 30 minutes before going outside so the skin has time to absorb the chemicals. When applying it, pay close attention to your face, ears, hands and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered by clothing. If you're going to wear insect repellent or makeup, apply the sunscreen first. For high-glare situations, a higher SPF sunscreen or zinc oxide may be used on your nose and lips. Wearing a hat with at least a two to three inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap with about seven inches of fabric draping down the sides and back) is also good. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays. Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting eyes increase chances of developing eye disease. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage. Look for an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) label. Limit direct sun exposure during mid-day. UV rays are most intense during the middle of the day, usually between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the strongest. UV rays can also pass through water, so it is not safe being in the water. Be especially careful on the beach and in the snow because sand and snow reflect sunlight, increasing the amount of UV radiation received. If planing to be outdoors, check the UV Index for the area. The UV Index, as well as the local UV Index forecast, is available on the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site at www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. Many people believe the UV rays of tanning beds are harmless. This is not true. Tanning lamps give out UVA and frequently UVB rays as well. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause serious long-term skin damage and both contribute to skin cancer. Because of these dangers, many health experts advise people to avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Protect children from the sun. Children require special attention, since they tend to spend more time outdoors and can burn more easily. Parents and other caregivers should protect children from excess sun exposure by using the measures described above. Babies younger than six months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected from the sun using hats and protective clothing. For further information, visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org and look for displays of sunscreen packets at outdoor venues around base.