Not all sunrays are equal.

There are two kinds of skin-damaging ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. Both are harmful and have been linked to skin cancer and aging, but they vary slightly in their effect. UBVs cause sunburns, but dont go through windows. UVAs, however, are responsible for tanning and premature again and can penetrate through glass. UBV levels vary through the year, but they peak in the summer. UVA levels tend to be constant with slight variations.
11am- 4pm. This is when the suns rays are at their most intense. Be sure to wear sun-protective clothing and sunscreen, and seek shade, especially during these times. Check your local UV Index, a rating of three or more means you should take the above precautions.
What type of sunscreen should you use? Chemical vs. physical filters. Chemical-based sunscreens contain organic filters (contain carbon), like oxybenzone, which form a thin layer on your skin to absorb the sun’s rays, stopping them from penetrating your skin. Physical sunscreens are made of inorganic compounds, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which form a barrier against sunrays.

What does SPF mean? The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a rating system that measures how long it takes skin to burn with that specific sunscreen, compared to skin without sunscreen. The lower the SPF, the faster you’ll burn. SPC is specifically a refection of the UVB protection of the sunscreen; it does not indicate protection against UVA rays or that the sunscreen in broad-spectrum. SPF 15 – 93% UVB rays, SPF 30- 97% UVB rays and SPF 50- 98% UVB rays. Protection plateaus after SPF 30. Broad spectrum sunscreens are key, as well as an SPF of 30 or higher.

How much and how often. On average, people only apply a third of the amount of sunscreen they need to properly protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You need at least one ounce (30mls) of sunscreen to cover your body and a teaspoon for your face. Always put on more than you think you need. Apply sunscreen evenly and ideally 20-30 minutes before sun exposure, and remember to reapply regularly (at least every 2 hours), especially after sweating heavily or swimming.

4 ways to deal with sunburn.
1. Rehydrate. A sunburn can be very dehydrating, so be sure to drink lots of non-alcoholic fluds and apply cool compresses to your red skin several times a day.
2. Soothe. Moisturize with after-sun products that contain aloe. Don’t use numbing lotions or creams like benzocaine or lidocaine- they will intensify the heat on your skin.
3. Take away the pain. To relieve the pain, simply take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
4. Cover up. After a sunburn, the skin should not be exposed to the sun for at least a week.

To learn more about sun safety visit your local pharmacists at Shoppers Drug Mart in the Oliver Place Mall on June 24th for their Summer Sun Gala. Free samples and skin care consultations as well as a chance to win a gift basket