This is a sponsored conversation brought to you by Baptist Health South Florida. As always, all opinions are my own.
Summa, summa, summa-time! The temperatures are on the rise and our first beach day is in the books. This year was a little different because I now have a little one with sensitive skin in tow. For years, my dermatologist has encouraged me to wear SPF daily and now that we are spending time outside, I make sure to lather my little one up as well. No matter the season, I always wear SPF 50 on my face and whenever my skin is exposed, I make sure to at least wear 30 on my body. Recently, I made a trip to the dermatologist and asker her if men and women of color still need to wear SPF and short answer is YES! Dark skinned people are at risk for sun-damage and skin cancer. Also, if you have hyperpigmentation prone skin, like me, the sun can actually make brown spots even darker.
With that said, there are so many different kinds of sunscreens on the market, some that are even having an environmental impact on coral reefs. In recent months, sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate have been banned from sale in Hawaii and Key West. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are the two ingredients the have been linked to coral reef bleaching, but the FDA and doctors continue to encourage their use. Doctors and the FDA are worried that banning these ingredients could be linked to an increase in skin cancer since they feel people would simply cease using sunscreen all together.
Recently, there was FDA-funded study that stressed that oxybenzone and octinoxate are considered safe, even though the study reveled the chemicals absorb into the skin at potentially toxic levels. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are another two common ingredients found in sunscreen, both of which have been deemed safe! Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide work as “sun shields”. They sit on top of the skin and basically deflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens actually absorb UV rays according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Many of us love these types of sunscreens because they melt into the skin much easier and do not leave a white residue, but according to this article likely contain the two reef bleaching chemicals i just mentioned.
With all of that said, the experts from Baptist Health South Florida share what you should look for when shopping for sunscreen:
- Dermatologists recommend broad spectrum sunscreen.
- SPF 30 or higher.
- Zinc or Titanium dioxide based sunscreens are: physical blocker’s which bounces rays from your skin.
- People who suffer from Melasma, hyperpigmentation or sensitive to heat should use a physical blocker sunscreen.
- Babies over 6 months should always use water resistant, SPF 30 plus
Other Precautions You Can Take to Prevent Sun Overexposure
In addition to properly applying sunscreen, taking other precautions that can help prevent overexposure to the sun include:
- Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, to protect the scalp, face and neck.
- Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, for added protection from harmful UV rays.
- Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes and the delicate surrounding skin.
- Avoid sun or reduce exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially during the summer months, when the sun is closest to the earth.
- Keep infants less than 6 months old out of the sun at all times.
Recently, I was asked by Baptist Health South Floridawhere I would you go if I or my son got a bad sunburn? The truth is, I did not know, but I usually turn to urgent care for my last-minute medical needs. Thanks to the new CARE ON DEMAND app , you now have access Baptist Health South Florida’s Urgent Care services, right from your smartphone, tablet or computer! If you are local to South Florida and need immediate medical attention, Baptist Health Urgent Care centers are the best around, but if you travel a lot or aren’t local, you can use the services too! They are so convenient and save time and money!