TDC Health News

Spring Break is just around the corner, and it's a good time to start thinking about protecting our skin. Sunburns and sun damage are the leading cause of skin health issues like wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. Protecting your skin from sun damage is important during Spring Break because most people will be spending more time outdoors.

Whether you're planning on going to the beach, camping or snow skiing, you should plan ahead to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your skin healthy and avoid sun damage.

Physical sunscreens contain mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They work by deflecting ultraviolet rays. These types of sunscreens go to work immediately and last longer than chemical sunscreens. The disadvantage of this type of sunscreen is that they can easily come off when getting wet or sweating. Chemical sunscreens contain no organic compounds and work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat. Chemical sunscreens usually rub on easier and are more cosmetically appealing than physical sunscreens, which can leave a whitish look to the skin. The disadvantage of chemical sunscreens is that they have a higher risk of causing skin irritation and need to be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure.

When applying sunscreen, we recommend using about an ounce to cover most people's body. Sunscreen needs to be re-applied every 2 hours, and more frequently if you are in the water or sweating.

In addition to sunscreen, be sure to wear a broad-brimmed hat and a rash guard that blocks UV rays. Pack an umbrella for the beach or sporting events. Have a fun Spring Break, but don't forget to take care of your skin.