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Slather on some SPF 30 sunscreen
and you know your nose won't turn pink.
But how do you quantify sun
protection that doesn't come in a labeled bottle? The
nonprofit Skin Cancer Foundation Journal recently published an
article on the sun protection factors of hats, beach umbrellas
and shade trees.
We asked Dr. Dore Gilbert, a
dermatologist at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, to weigh
in with his realistic and common-sense advice for enjoying
summer.
Broad-brimmed hats: SPF 5 for
the nose, ears and neck.
Wearing the right hat is one of
the best things you can do, said Gilbert, who gives community
presentations on sun safety and skin cancer prevention. He
recommends a "lifeguard hat" — made from tightly
woven straw with a wide brim. "That's probably going to
block about 70 to 80 percent of the sun's rays at least. I go
to Ralph's and I buy five or seven lifeguard hats. I never get
sunburned wearing that. I always have the hat on when I'm
working in my yard or I'm walking. I even keep one in the
trunk of my car. I like the hat better than sunscreen."
Gilbert says a visor will only
protect the forehead and a floppy Gilligan-style hat allows at
least 50 percent of the sun's rays to bounce to the face.
"You're not going to get the same amount of
protection."
Umbrellas: SPF 3 to 10
A single umbrella on the beach
offers limited protection because ultraviolet rays are
reflected under the umbrella from the sand and water.
"If you're in an area
where there's a lot of reflected light, you want to add a
sunscreen to the umbrella or the hat," Gilbert said.
"Most people if they sit under an umbrella they get much
more protection than what that article says because it
provides shade to the area that would be reflecting."
Shade trees: SPF varies.
Trees offer the best protection
in the middle of the day when the sun is more directly
overhead. If possible, choose a tree near other trees or
buildings to block more of the sun. Dense foliage offers the
best protection.
"It's like the hat tightly
woven vs. loosely woven," Gilbert said. "Whenever
I'm outdoors for a period of time I always look for shade. I
don't even think about it anymore. I'll turn my back to the
sun if I'm standing talking to someone."
Sunglasses: Choose a pair that
blocks 99 percent of UVB rays and at least 95 percent of UVA
rays. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks
reflected light, reducing glare.
"I never go outside
without sunglasses," Gilbert said. "You want
polarized lenses. It will give you some UVA and UVB coverage.
From a cosmetic standpoint, it keeps you from squinting so
you're less likely to develop crow's feet. Price doesn't
matter."
Clothing: SPF from 4 to 30.
The journal recommends bright
or dark clothing made from tightly woven fabrics.
Gilbert says a white
long-sleeved shirt should provide an SPF of 4 to 6.
"White is always the best to wear because it reflects the
light. I try to wear long sleeved, white cotton shirts when
I'm outdoors. Otherwise, I will put sunscreen on. Sometimes
I'll do both, depending on what I'm doing."
Darker colors are more
effective, but not realistic when it's hot outside, Gilbert
says.
And finally what about
specialty clothing designed to block UV-rays? "It's only
necessary if you have a really bad history of skin cancer or
you're really concerned about the sun's effect on your skin in
terms of skin cancer or aging."
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