Published of Leslie Thomson. This post will also appear on Brock Hall Health & Safety Blog.

Set of the Sun by Rattikankeawpun | Freedigitalphotos.net
Set of the Sun by Rattikankeawpun | Freedigitalphotos.net

British Columbians LOVE sunshine. We savour sunny days like a UBC student savours that first Blue Chip cookie after a semester abroad. However, we aren’t always the smartest when it comes to sun safety. Below are 10 facts about sunscreen that will help you enjoy your sunny day, and not wake up the next morning in agony with a tomato face.

  1. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a measure of the sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB rays from damaging the skin. No sunscreen blocks out 100% of UV rays, but SPF 30 keeps out 97% while SPF 15 keeps out 35%. Look for a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen to protect against UVB and UVA.
  2. It takes time for your skin to absorb sunscreen. Always apply 30 minutes before heading into the sunshine.
  3. Put it on under your clothes! A cotton shirt only filters 5% of UV rays, meaning 95% of those rays are reaching your skin. Even if you’re not getting sunburnt through your shirt, it can still be damaging your skin.
  4. Your sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen with an SPF of 2-14 must now state on the label that they do not reduce the risk of skin cancer or sunburn.
  5. There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen! It is now illegal to label sunscreen as waterproof.
  6. “Water resistant” means the SPF is effective for 40 minutes in the water. “Very water resistant” is effective for 80 minute. After that, it’s time to reapply!
  7. You CAN get a sunburn in the shade! UVB rays, which cause sunburns and skin cancer, still reach your skin.
  8. 40% of the sun’s UV rays can also make their way through clouds. This means that you should wear sunscreen even when it is overcast. Second degree sunburns are most likely to happen on cloudy days because people will spend an entire day outside with no protection from the sun.
  9. Lip balm! No one likes a dry, cracked, burnt lip. I like Nivea Sun, which has 30 SPF
  10. Spray sunscreens CAN be as effective as lotion, but only if you are applying it correctly. One test found that people tend to spray themselves for only half as long as is necessary. So if you choose to use the convenience of a spray bottle, spray for twice as long as you think you should…and watch your eyes!

Think you’re an expert on sun safety? Check out this quiz: http://www.cancer.org/healthy/toolsandcalculators/quizzes/sun-safety/index