Understanding Your Sunscreen Label
July 1, 2024 In July, we raise awareness that UV is the root cause of most skin cancers. It is important that you take precautions to protect yourself. One way to do this is by applying a broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
This simple task can get very confusing when shopping for sunscreen at the grocery store or online. Here are some helpful ways to decode your sunscreen label.
What is broad spectrum sunscreen?
This protects your skin from the sun’s UVA (aging) rays and UVB (burning) rays. They help prevent skin cancer, early skin aging (age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin), and sunburn.
What is SPF?
This is how well the sunscreen protects you from sunburn.
What about all those SPF numbers?
Keep in mind no sunscreen can filter out 100% of the sun’s UVB rays. The SPF lets you know how much UVB light (the burning rays) a sunscreen can filter out. Example: SPF 30: 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.
What is waterproof sunscreen?
There technically is not a sunscreen that is waterproof. Your sweat and water remove sunscreen from the skin. Some sunscreens are in fact water resistant though.
What is water resistant sunscreen?
This is how long a sunscreen will stay on wet skin. Water resistant: This sunscreen stays effective for 40 minutes in the water. Then you need to reapply. Very water resistant: This sunscreen stays effective for 80 minutes in the water. Reapply every 2 hours.
Why reapply sunscreen?
Sunscreen only lasts so long on your skin for a couple of reasons. They can clump and lose effectiveness and/or the sun’s rays can break the sunscreen down. Remember to reapply:
- Every 2 hours
- After toweling off
- When sweating
- After being in water
Is it ok to use sunscreen with insect repellent in it?
You should apply these separately. Sunscreen should be applied liberally and insect repellant sparingly. Now you are ready to pick just the right sunscreen for your next adventure in the great outdoors!
June 1, 2024 Embark on a transformative journey and unlock the doors to holistic well-being at the Pisgah Valley Health Fair on June 19th, from 1-3:30pm. This event guarantees to be a haven for those seeking to nurture their mind, body, and spirit. This self-care extravaganza boasts an array of experiences and resources designed to empower individuals on …Read More…
May 1, 2024 What Causes Flare Ups and How to Avoid them There are different types of arthritis ranging from osteoarthritis (most widely known), psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and more. One common denominator amongst all the different types of arthritis is that flare ups can occur from time to time causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling and a host …Read More…
April 1, 2024 For the one million Americans living with Parkinson’s Disease and their loved ones- Parkinson’s awareness is more than a month. It’s about bringing attention to a life-changing disease that is on the rise and connecting people to critical resources. This month it is important to educate ourselves on the many symptoms that impact those with …Read More…
March 1, 2024 At Birth We reap the benefits of touch from the moment we are born. Skin-to-skin contact is widely used between newborns and loved ones right after delivery. This helps the baby with enhanced nutrient absorption, better body temperature maintenance, and improved brain development. Parents and caregivers also get mental health benefits as well from this …Read More…
February 1, 2024 Most people eat too much sodium. It is important to remember your body requires a small amount of this mineral, but in excess it can have negative consequences. Sodium can increase your blood pressure, your risk of stroke, and heart disease. Making a conscious effort to cut back on your sodium intake makes your heart …Read More…
January 1, 2024 Over the years Pisgah Valley Wellness Center has been an established part of our local community. Serving the physical and social needs of many residents and members over the years. It is more than just a gym, it is a gem. The wellness center sits within a picturesque landscape surrounded by farmland, rolling hills, and …Read More…
December 1, 2023 Stress and the holidays can tend to feel synonymous with one another as our schedules fill up with gatherings, deadlines, travel, and expenses. What should be a time of joy, may also bring feelings of anxiety and tension. The holiday season can create worry; however, it can also be an opportunity for internal focus and …Read More…
November 1, 2023 Nearly 16 million Americans are diagnosed with COPD. Another 16 million more have the disease but are undiagnosed. COPD is (currently) an incurable disease.With the right diagnosis and treatment, there are things that you can do to slow the progress of the disease and live a happier, healthier life. What is COPD? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary …Read More…
September 12, 2023 There’s nothing more important as we age than feeling energized , engaged and living a life filled with peace and purpose. INSPIRE, is a multi-dimensional program offered here at Pisgah Valley. It’s especially geared toward helping residents attain all of those positive feelings and much more. INSPIRE Just as the letters of its name suggest, …Read More…
