Q: Why do my parents tell me to wear sunscreen?

Answer:

Your parents ask you to wear sunscreen to protect you from getting a sunburn. A sunburn occurs when the cells in your skin become damaged. This occurs because they are exposed to excessive amounts of ultraviolet rays from the sun. With more and more exposure to the sun, the damage to your skin will worsen over time. After many years, the damage to the cells can appear in the form of wrinkles, age spots and different kinds of skin cancer.

It is very important for everyone to protect themselves from the sun’s rays. The sun affects people of all skin types and colors. To protect your skin, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, protective clothing and a hat. Have a fun and safe summer and don’t forget to remind your friends and family about sun protection.

Jeffrey Scales, MD

Durham Regional Hospital and N.C. Center for Dermatology

Think About It!

Which summer activities do you enjoy that would require you to wear sunscreen? As you enjoy your summer vacation – don’t forget to apply sunscreen often. Age eighteen and under are the years where you can permanently damage your skin from overexposure to the sun.

Here’s a list of some safety tips for summer fun:

• Avoid exposure to the sun between noon and 3:00 p.m. (or use sunscreen).
• Make sure you reapply your sunscreen after swimming or sweating.
• Never use baby oil, mineral oil or cocoa butter in the sun.
• Zinc oxide ointment provides the maximum protection – reapply frequently.
• If you wear bright colors or white – the sun will reflect onto your face and increase the risk of a sunburn.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes (a wide-brimmed hat will help too).
• Be especially careful around water because the suns rays reflect off the water and increase your risk of sunburn.