Generally, there is a misconception that sun damages and skin cancer occur during childhood, and if an individual grows up without using sunscreen, they believe they do not need it. However, statistics depict that more than half of the skin cancer-related deaths occur among the older population. Skin damages from UV exposure are cumulative; hence the risk for cancer increases over time as people grow old. Therefore, sunscreen is vital among older people outdoors since sun damage is harmful at all ages. Senior Helpers is the best home care service provider for older individuals in Salem, Dallas, Keizer, Albany, and Corvallis. This article will highlight sunscreen for the older populations and advice on the appropriate SPF levels.
What Is SPF?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of UV radiation needed to cause a sunburn on protected skin relative to the amount of solar energy needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. Whenever the SPF value increase, sunburn protection will also increase. There is a variety of sunscreen with different strength levels in the market that can cater to the elderly. However, a huge product variety makes it hard for these individuals to decide on the best option to protect their skin from sunburns that can arise from skin cancer.
SPF's Broader Spectrum
Sunlight has two rays that can damage the skin; for instance, it includes Ultraviolet light with a longer wave (UVA) and those with a shorter wave (UVB). UVA light damages the thickest skin layer and can result in certain cancers and wrinkles. On the other end, UVB damages the skin surface and can also cause cancer. Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen works best in blocking harmful rays from damaging the skin.
SPF 50 sunscreen is generally perceived to take 50 times longer to burn than other sunscreens. However, while scrutinizing the best sunscreen for older people, it is necessary to focus on how long it takes to burn the skin. If the skin begins to redden after staying in the sun for about ten minutes, an SPF of 15 can protect the skin for 150 minutes when correctly applied. Therefore, what the older population needs to know is that a higher SPF does not imply more protection, and they should also ascertain these notable variations:
- SPF 15 protects from 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 protects from 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 protects from 98% of UVB rays
- SPF 100 protects from 99% of UVB rays
Best SPF Levels for the Elderly
From other recommendations, Senior Helpers, Salem advises the elderly to consider sunscreens with SPF 30, a high factor for older skin. However, different SPF levels serve different purposes, for instance;
- An SPF of 50 is ideal for daily wear for additional protection
- For outdoor activities at the pool, beach, or anywhere, an SPF 30 or higher can be ideal
- Lastly, for summer activities, an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen will also be ideal
Best Practices for Sunscreen Replenishment and Maintaining Protection
Senior Helpers, Salem, highlights tips for the effective wearing of sunscreen among the older population for maximum protection, including:
- Consider UVA and UVB protection
Older people should always consider sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection to protect their skin from UVB rays that cause sunburns and UVA that can cause skin cancer. The sunscreen should also contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which blocks the UVA and UVB rays.
- Pick SPF 30 and above
SPF will absorb and reflect the sun's rays to avoid burns and skin damage. However, it is important to note that the higher SPF is not always the better option since SPF protection does not increase proportionately with the designated SPF number, such that when SPF 30 absorbs 97%, SPF 50 absorbs 98%.
- Reapply sunscreen after every two hours
Sunscreen wears off after some hours, hence the need to lather every two hours. In some instances, you should reapply sunscreen every 60 to 90 minutes, for example, when using a spray sunscreen or when swimming or sweating.
- Do not depend on sunscreen alone
Sunscreen does not entirely prevent sunburns or skin cancer. Therefore, older people should consider other ways of maintaining protection, such as wearing a lip balm with SPF 30 and above and wearing tight woven hats with wide brims and sunglasses with UV protection.
Senior Helpers provides quality services to the Salem area and its environs. We offer a comprehensive suite of programs and services that support aging-in-place. Contact us today to enjoy our quality services and assistance from our committed personnel.