Indecent Exposure; Dermatologist Tips for Avoiding Irreversible Skin Damage Caused By Sun Exposure

WAYNE, Pa., May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite years of warnings about the risks posed by exposure to ultraviolet rays, 30 percent of adults do not use any sunscreen, a survey by PreSun Sunscreen has found.

Moreover, only 29 percent pre-apply sunscreen before going outside, which is recommended as most sunscreens take about 20 minutes to absorb to their fullest potential.

The key to being sun-safe, explains dermatologist Dr. Craig Eichler, fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and skin cancer/sun damage expert, is vigilant sunscreen use whenever you're outdoors. Here, he offers his other tips for protecting skin from sneaky, dangerous sun damage:

  -- Check Expiration Dates: Sixty-two percent of people in the PreSun
     survey indicate they do not purchase a new sunscreen at the start of
     every spring/summer season (instead, using what was left from last
     summer).  Dr. Eichler advises checking the expiration dates on bottles
     of sunscreen you've had for a while. "Extreme temperatures can shorten
     sunscreen's shelf life, too, including being in a suitcase or hot car,
     so it's safest to buy a new bottle every summer season," explains Dr.
     Eichler.

  -- No Excuses: Some survey respondents admitted that they don't use
     sunscreen because they don't like the way it feels on their skin.  "If
     cream sunscreens feel too heavy, try a gel or spray, such as PreSun
     Gel, which has a light feel," says Dr. Eichler, "or, PreSun Spray,
     which is quick to apply and very light -- great for kids and active
     adults.  In addition to protecting skin from UVB rays, PreSun
     Sunscreen products protect skin from UVA rays with Parsol(R) 1789,
     which is widely regarded as one of the most effective UVA blockers."

     UVA rays are mainly linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles,
     but are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers. UVB rays are
     mainly responsible for direct damage to the DNA, and are the rays that
     cause sunburns. They are also thought to cause most skin cancers.

  -- Pre-apply and Re-apply:  For optimum protection, it is imperative that
     sunscreen be pre-applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure so it
     has time to absorb into your skin, and then re-applied every 80 minutes
     and after swimming or excessively sweating.

     "Don't wait until you feel your skin burning to reapply -- that's too
     late. Even one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double
     the risk of getting melanoma later in life," warns Dr. Eichler, "so
     frequently re-apply sunscreen to yourself and your children."

  -- Be Generous: About 1 ounce of sunscreen (a "palmful") should be used to
     cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult. "Products
     that are labeled 'waterproof' may provide protection for 80 minutes
     even when swimming or sweating," explains Dr. Eichler. "Products that
     are 'water resistant' may provide protection for only 40 minutes.
     Sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel yourself dry, so always
     reapply after swimming."

  -- The ABCs of SPF:  Look for a sunscreen with an effective broad-spectrum
     sun-blocking ingredient, such as Parsol(R) 1789, and a minimum of SPF
     15.  SPF (Sun Protection Factor) represents the level of protection a
     sunscreen provides: SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays and SPF 30
     blocks about 98%, explains Dr. Eichler. "For most people, SPF 15 will
     be adequate for short, less intense sun exposures but SPF 30 is
     recommended for high UV days or if you're going to be outside for a
     long time."

  -- Don't Be A Tanning Fool: If you think because you have a tan or
     naturally dark skin you don't need to wear sunscreen, you're wrong!
     "People with darker pigmented skin or those who tan easily are still
     susceptible to skin cancer, and should also practice sun safety
     habits," advises Dr. Eichler.

  -- Made in the Shade: When spending the day outside, take frequent breaks
     under a tree or umbrella.  Try to avoid being in direct sunlight
     between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is strongest. Whether you're
     in the sun for fun or work, protective clothing, hats and sunglasses
     are important deterrents of UV rays.

PreSun(R) Sunscreen products are available in leading drug stores, including Rite Aid, Snyders and Harmons, as well as supermarket and mass-market retailers nationwide. The complete line of products is available online at http://www.presundirect.com/ and http://www.drugstore.com/.

For more information about sun safety, visit http://www.presun.com/.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Dr. Craig Eichler http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=31553