Uncategorized
Ask Dr. Dunn: Sunscreen
Published
11 years agoon
By Maren Dunn, D.O. Explore Big Sky Health Writer
How bad is the sun for my skin? Does sunscreen really work to reduce aging or cancer?
– Rita, Bozeman
The human body needs sunlight. It boosts mood and is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D. However the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight causes skin damage, including sunburn, advanced skin aging and higher risk of skin cancers like melanoma.
UV radiation is divided into two types: UVA and UVB. UVA represents 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth and causes skin cancer, while UVB represents 5 percent and commonly causes sunburn and skin cancer. Both are damaging to human skin causing premature aging. Protection from UV exposure can be accomplished with sun-protective clothing, sunscreen and sun avoidance during peak hours.
Sunscreens protect the skin by reflecting or absorbing the UV radiation. The term “broad spectrum” typically refers to sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made sure this will be the case as of December 2013, when only sunscreens that block both wavelengths can be labeled “broad spectrum.” Additionally, only the terms “water resistant” or “very water resistant” will be allowed on labels. These terms indicate that the product’s protection lasts for 40 or 80 minutes of water activity. The FDA is discontinuing use of the terms “sweat proof” or “waterproof” on all sunscreen labels.
SPF, or sun protection factor, measures a sunscreen’s ability to block UVB. It’s a scientifically measured ratio of the radiation dose required to produce redness on the skin. SPF 15 absorbs 93 percent of the UVB rays, while SPF 30 and 50 absorb 97 and 98 percent, respectively. It’s false to think you can stay in the sun 15 times longer when wearing SPF 15 sunscreen. Your skin will still be affected by 7 percent of the UV radiation that’s reaching the Earth, which during the summer months can still be a large and damaging dose.
Since there is strong evidence that sunscreens prevent squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and aging, SPF 15 should be used daily, during all months of the year and luckily can be found in many cosmetics and daily moisturizers. “Broad spectrum” is always preferred to assure more complete UVA and B protection. SPF 30 plus is recommended for people performing outdoor work, sports or recreational activities, or for those who are unlikely to reapply often during prolonged periods in the sun.
Proper application is paramount. For lotions, an adult should apply at least 1 ounce, or a shot-glass full, to sun-exposed areas 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapplication every 2-4 hours is extremely important; sooner if the skin has been exposed to water.
Since infants’ skin is immature, it is not advised to apply sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months old. If it’s the only form of sun protection available, sunscreen can be placed on limited areas like the cheeks and hands. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends shade and sun-protective clothing for infants.
__________________
New FDA sunscreen label rules:
Broad Spectrum: provides UVA and UVB protection
Water Resistant: provides 40 minutes of protection when in water
Very Water Resistant: provides 80 minutes of protection in water
Percent protection from UVB radiation:
SPF 15: 93 percent
SPF 30: 97 percent
SPF 50+ : 98 percent
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
more
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome to come, if you don’t know who to bring come alone this is a great mixer event! This is an event hosted by Big Sky OUT as we work to provide queer safe spaces throughout the community.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Cowboy Coffee
25 Town Center Ave. Big Sky, MT 59716