Sunny Days and Happy Faces - SUNSCREENS

Should We Protect Ourselves from the Sun?

Even if vacation plans are postponed until schools are out and after Ramadan Bayram, the days when the sun and beautiful weather warm our hearts have already begun. Should we protect ourselves from the sun that makes us happy, lights up our faces, and warms us from within?

ABSOLUTELY YES!!! If we ask who should protect themselves from the sun, the answer is EVERYONE.

Sunscreens help protect us from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and prevent skin cancer. Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop skin cancer.

What kind of sunscreen should we choose?

According to the recommendations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sunscreens should have the following three features:

• They should have broad-spectrum protection (protecting against both UVA and UVB).
• The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) should be at least 15, with 30 being ideal.
• They should be water-resistant, maintaining effectiveness for 40 minutes in water. Very water-resistant products can retain effectiveness for 80 minutes in water. Additionally, the FDA has banned the use of the term "waterproof" on sunscreen labels!

Which type of sunscreen?

• Creams: Best suited for dry skin and the face.
• Gels: Suitable for hairy areas and the scalp.
• Sticks: Ideal for the area around the eyes.
• Sprays: Generally preferred for children. The FDA continues to test the effectiveness and safety of spray sunscreens. If using spray sunscreen, ensure that the entire skin surface is covered.

Should we buy a new sunscreen every year?

The FDA requires sunscreens to be marketed with a shelf life of at least three years. Therefore, when purchasing sunscreen, check that the expiration date is at least three years away. There is no need to buy a new sunscreen every summer.