Dr. Karin Covi encourages people to protect themselves from the sun while enjoying the summer.Think you know how to stay safe in the sun? Before you hit the beach, ball field or lake this summer, test your sunscreen IQ. The answers from two of Chattanooga’s top dermatologists might surprise you.
MYTH #1:
As long as you apply sunscreen correctly, you’re adequately protected.
FALSE: “Sunscreen can offer a false sense of security, allowing even the fairest skin types to stay in the sun hours longer than they normally would,” says Dr. Karin Covi.
Also, not all sunscreens adequately protect from skin cancer. SPF is an antiquated rating system that only applies to UVB rays, the ones responsible for burning. UVA rays penetrate much deeper, causing premature aging and skin cancer. The FDA is currently revamping the system, but until then look for brands that specifically claim UVA and UVB protection. The safest are physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect rays. These agents have advanced since their use by white-nosed lifeguards in the ’80s, but they can still feel thick on the skin. Therefore chemical sunscreens are sometimes a better option.
“The best sunscreen is one you’ll use regularly and appropriately,” emphasizes Covi. Whenever possible, seek shade and avoid prolonged exposure between the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.