You may want to review your sunscreen usage
‘We’re finding that most people are not actually applying it correctly,’ says public health nurse
An average adult needs two to three tablespoons of sunscreen to protect the body, and one teaspoon to effectively cover the face, neck and ears, according to a public health nurse at the Region of Waterloo.
"We're finding that most people are not actually applying it correctly," Georgeanne MacGregor-Fox told Craig Norris, host of The Morning Edition on CBC Radio.
She said that people should also apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside.
"If you go out and the UV index is eight, it takes 15 minutes for the sun to actually burn your skin," she said, "So if you're going outside to the beach and starting to apply the sunscreen at that point, it's already too late."
She also told CBC News that people need to reapply sunscreen frequently, roughly every two hours, but the duration shortens if you're exercising or going in the water.
Tips for sun protection
MacGregor-Fox said there are other ways you can protect yourself from the sun in addition to using sunscreen properly.
"When we talk about sunscreen, it is sort of our last line of defence," she said, "Primarily, you want to be seeking shade.
Here are some guidelines for sun protection from the region's public health unit:
- Covering up with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
- Finding shade whenever possible.
- Avoid outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. from April to September, when UV index is the highest.
- Using a water resistant sunscreen for longevity, and choosing a sunscreen with 30 or higher SPF.
- If using a bug spray, apply it 30 minutes after sunscreen application.
MacGregor-Fox also told CBC News that UV rays can also penetrate fog and glass, so even when the weather is bad or you're driving, it's still possible for the skin to be exposed to harmful radiation.
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Beware of sensitivity
Public health says children under the age of one should be kept out of direct sunlight because their skin is thinner and much more sensitive than the average adult.
"If they get a sunburn or exposure, it causes a lot of damage," said MacGregor-Fox, "Damage to the skin actually is a cumulative effect, so it actually builds up over time, it doesn't repair itself."
She said a tip for finding a sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin is to look for zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Both ingredients are used in creams for diaper rash, and should be safe for young children.
However, people should test sunscreen on the inner arm for at least a day to watch for any reactions.
"Sunscreens can be tricky, it's a bit of a trial and error to find the right one that works for you," said MacGregor-Fox.
Got milk?
Maybe you worry that using sunscreen or being in the shade can make you vitamin D deficient. However, MacGregor-Fox said Health Canada recommends that people to get their vitamin D from dietary sources, such as cow's milk.
"It is safer in the end than the amount of ultraviolet radiation you're getting," she said.
Health Canada has a chart of the daily recommended intake for vitamin D on its website. The values were calculated so that people don't have to be exposed to the sun to fulfil the daily requirements.
"The thing is we want people to be outdoors and enjoy it, and be physically active, and all the aspects that come with being outside, there's a lot of benefit to it," said MacGregor-Fox, "It's just doing it smartly when you are outside."