Focus On Suncare

With all of the excitement surrounding Spring Break, it's easy to forget your responsibilities. One thing you should never let slide though is being responsible when it comes to the sun and your skin. You owe it to your health - and your future self - to take sunning seriously.

We chatted with Lynn Frigon, Brand Director for Ombrelle, to find out how to prevent a sunburn and what to do if it's too late.

First of all, what are UVB and UVA rays?

Think of it this way: UVB means B as in Burning, and UVA means A as in Aging. UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburns and the effects are visible and immediate on the skin. UVA rays are responsible for the long-term effects of the sun, such as premature wrinkles and aging. Both UVB and UVA rays are accountable for skin cancer, though.

What is the minimum SPF a teen girl should use?

The Canadian Dermatologist Association recommends that an SPF 30 or higher should always be used. Editor's note: A recent study shows that 45% of kids between the ages of 12 - 17 mostly use an SPF level of 30 and 42% mostly use SPF 45, so keep up the good work!

Should you use a different sunscreen on your face than your body?

The skin on your face has very particular needs, especially as a teen. To avoid blemishes and oily skin, you should use a sun protection that suits those needs, whether it be hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic. You wouldn't use your body lotion as a facial moisturizer, would you?

Do ethnic girls with naturally darker pigment still need to worry about sunscreen?

Yes. Not to get too technical, but in short, the skin's melanin production increases when it is exposed to UVB rays. This results in the development of a tan as a natural defense mechanism from the rays. However, in the meantime, our skin cannot naturally protect itself from UVA rays. This is why everyone - from dark skin to very light - should use sunscreen with a UVA protection.

What are the warning signs of a burn?

"The first sign of sunburn may be the simple sensation of warmth or tingling," says Dr. Lydia Evans, Consulting Dermalogist for L'Oréal Paris. "People also often note just a slight pink color. If you see this, get out of the sun quickly, as it will turn much pinker later in the day, even without additional sun exposure."

Once burnt, how should you treat it?

Moisturize and soothe your skin with creams (Vitamin E and Aloe). If you suffer from a serious sunburn (with swelling, fever or nausea), consult a doctor immediately.

Beyond sunscreen, is there anything that can be used to minimize the risk of sunburn?

Cover up with a brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UV rays and avoid prolonged sun exposure between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun is the strongest. Also don't forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day as recommended in the directions. It's also very important to reapply after sweating and swimming.

DON'T FORGET!

The water and sand act as reflectors so take extra care when heading out in the boat. And for those Spring Break snowboarders, keep in mind that the snow reflects approximately 85% of the sun's rays, so you absolutely must lather up before hitting the slopes.

Source: 1: Ifop 2008, Sun Protection Usage & Attitude study, mandated by L'Oreal Canada