As we start to see more of the sun in the Northland, some reminders about the importance of sunscreen from Emergency Medicine Physician, Dr. Dylan Wyatt of Aspirus-St. Luke’s.

Do we need sunscreen? Why is it so important?

Sunscreen helps reduce our exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, also called UV rays. Exposure to UV rays causes sunburns, skin damage and accelerated aging, and skin cancer.

How much sunscreen do we need?  What kind of SPF are we talking about?

Usually around an ounce for the whole body. A good rule of thumb for the head and neck is the aptly named “two finger rule”: two lines of sunscreen applied down the lengths of the index and middle fingers is around the amount of sunscreen that will protect your face, ears, and neck.

Most experts recommend SPF 30-50. SPF below 15 isn’t adequate protection. Remember that sunscreen significantly reduces your sun exposure, but doesn’t fully protect you. Still be mindful of the amount of time you spend outside during the highest risk times of day (10am to 4pm).

What about babies? What kind of protection from the sun do babies need?

Babies younger than 6 months cannot wear sunscreen, and will need to avoid direct sun exposure through hats, clothes, sun shades, umbrellas, etc.

Babies older than 6 months can have sunscreen applied as normal. Still be careful about the amount of time they spend in the sun.

Are the ingredients in sunscreen safe?

 Yes. If someone does have concerns about chemical sunscreens (there are certainly environmental concerns about these) they can use a mineral sunscreen with Zinc.

Can wearing sunscreen a lot lead to a vitamin D deficiency?

There’s no evidence sunscreen impairs vitamin D synthesis.

Say we have some moles, freckles, or other marks from sun exposure. When do you think we should be concerned?

To identify moles that should be checked up on by a dermatologist we use a system called the ABCs of moles:

Asymmetry – if one side of the lesion doesn’t match the other

Border – irregular borders

Color – multiple colors (not one uniform color)

Diameter – the mole is greater than 6mm (about the size of a #2 pencil erasers’ top)

Evolving – stable moles are good moles. If there is dynamic change you should get the mole checked out. Going outside is important for our physical and mental health. When we spend time outside, we do put ourselves at risk for sun exposure. In the short term, this can lead to sunburns. In the long term, this is the leading cause for skin cancer. We have excellent means of prevention that we’ll talk about today: sunscreen!