Sun Avoidance Strategy It would be best, but impractical, to avoid the sun altogether. Short of this, one needs to be aware of sun exposure. You can't play golf in the shade but you don't have to sit in direct sun during lunch. It is also worth noting that most sun damage occurs incidentally to and from work, the car, and the mailbox. A good daily-wear sunscreen that is worn on the face and neck as part of one's daily routine is crucial. Sunscreens Are The First Step The daily use of a sunscreen, often combined with moisturizer or foundation, is important. A SPF15 should be used everyday as part of one’s morning routine. For times of intentional sun exposure, use of a SPF30 is appropriate. Avoid products with a SPF over 30 in that the increased protection is minute, with the formulations often being irritating due to the increase in active ingredients. Use a sunscreen with a critical wavelength of at least 370nm. This is extremely important in that UVA rays cause premature aging and they are strongly linked to the development of melanoma. LUCA is the only product on the market to place a critical wavelength value on the label. If purchasing a product from a spa or physicians office, ask for the critical wavelength. This information is important and should be provided to consumers. Staying Out Of The Sun In additions to the use of sunscreens, one needs to use hats. Broad brimmed hats (brim of 2-3 inches) are important. Sunscreens are difficult to apply to the ears, around eye and the scalp. These areas are easy to cover with the shade produced by a hat. Make children wear hats as often as possible. Kids And The Sun There are some facts worth noting about children and sun exposure. -     Fifty percent (50%) of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence. -     It takes only 10 minutes in intense sun for a young child to sunburn. -     A person born today is twice as likely to develop skin cancer as one born 10 years ago. -     Sunburns occurring in childhood are a risk factor for the development of melanoma. Many sunscreens designed for children are formulated with high SPF values (45, 55, and higher). These should be avoided. A SPF value over 30 provides no significant additional protection, but exposes children to a marked increase in irritating active ingredients. High SPF sunscreens also provide a false sense of security, making parents feel that it is not necessary to reapply as often. It is best to use a SPF30 and reapply at least every 2 hours. Apply sunscreen to dry skin at least 20 minutes prior to going into the water. If a child develops a reaction to a SPF30 sunscreen, try using a SPF15. A SPF 15 will have lower levels of active ingredients and will be potentially less irritating. Sun Protection and Pilots Pilots are at a higher risk for skin cancer. This is not as surprising as it might seem. At 3000 feet, one is exposed to twice the level of UVB rays and 50% more UVA rays. This exposure increases with altitude. It is worth noting that UVA rays easily penetrate plastic and glass. Pilots should wear sunscreen on sunny flights. Sun Protection and Mountain Sports Mountain sports increase sun exposure. Many popular destinations are located at elevations over 5000 feet. This increased elevation doubles the UVB and UVA exposure. In addition, 85% of sunlight is reflected off of fresh snow. In a mountain environment, daily use of sunscreens is critical.

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