Pain tells the body that damage is being done, not that damage is going to be done. The same thing can be said about sunburns. Sunburns tell you that the skin damage has already occurred, not going to occur.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation--UVB and UVA--causes sunburns. Ultraviolet radiations also cause sun blisters and potentially skin cancer.
People need to protect themselves from ultraviolet radiation, especially those with light skin and eyes. Products designed to protect people from ultraviolet radiation include sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas, sunshades, awnings and sun protection clothing.
You should use sun protection products if you're going to be out in the sun for more than 20 minutes. You should also re-apply sunscreens every 2 hours.
What to Look for
The most common sun protection product is sunscreen. There is no difference in quality between spray-on and cream sunscreens. Use your preference but look for the following ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Avobenzone/Parasol 1789 and Mexoryl.
Sunscreens rank on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which ranges from 2 to 50. The number equates to how long you can be in the sun without burning. For example, while using a sunscreen with SPF 30, you can be in the sun 30 times longer without burning. You should always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays.
Not many people are even aware of sun protection clothing. While sunscreens use SPF to determine effectiveness, sun protection clothing adheres to the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). A piece of clothing with a UPF of 30 blocks 97 percent of UV radiation. If your skin is covered with UPF clothing, you don't need sunscreen.
Sometimes UPF clothing is unavailable. If you can't find or don't have UPF clothing, wear clothes with thicker weaves, darker colors, heavier and, of course, clothes that cover the skin.
Common Pitfalls
Completely ignore sunscreen claims of waterproof and/or sweat-proof. According to Carol Schuler of Coolibar, "The term 'waterproof' has undergone inadequate testing and the term 'sweat-proof' has had no testing to substantiate the label. The FDA has asked sunscreen manufacturers to voluntarily remove this marketing term from their labels."
Often people don't use sun protection while skiing at high altitudes. Cold does not eradicate radiation. UV radiation actually increases with altitude.
Tanning beds are not a safe alternative to the sun. Sunless tanning lotions are the safest way to get a tan.
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