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"Skin and Sea"
Top Ten Skin Facts: Everything you've always wanted to know
about sun protection but were afraid to ask
(or you simply forgot about).
Here they are-The Top Ten:
- I always tell patients that the "best sunscreen" is one that has a high SPF, is broad
spectrum, feels good on the skin and is one that they like and remember to use.
- Ultraviolet rays can penetrate glass and clothes, so it is important to keep that in mind
when outdoors or near windows.
- The average cotton T-shirt has an SPF of about 5.
- For a full list of items with a Seal of Recommendation label by the Skin Cancer
Foundation, click on "Recommended Products" at www.skincancer.org.
- The shortest rays, UVC rays are absorbed by the ozone layer.
- Most dermatologists recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher with broad
spectrum coverage (blocking out the short rays- UVB and the long rays- UVA)
- The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sunscreens with a minimum of SPF 15 for
everyday wear.
- SPF 15 filters out about 93% of UVB, SPF 30 filters out about 97% of UVB and SPF 50 or
higher filters out about 98% of UVB.
- Someone using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 would be protected against sunburn 30
times longer than without any sunscreen.
- SPF or Sun Protection Factor is a marker of UVB protection only.
The above information is by no means a substitute for a visit to your doctor. For more
information on these topics, visit www.aad.org . To submit a
story idea or if you have a skin related question, please e-mail me at
dracambio@gmail.com. Happy Fall!
- Dr. Andrea Cambio
Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Andrew’s Professional Center
316 Del Prado Blvd. S. Suite 201
Cape Coral 829-7102
dracambio@gmail.com
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