Sunscreen is a big part of protecting your skin while on the golf course or enjoying Colorado outdoor activities, but it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. To help filter out the myths, here are some basic sun protection tips.
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 is a good place to start. It blocks 97% of the UVB rays that cause sunburn.1 Broad-spectrum SPF protects against both UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging, and UVB rays, which cause burning — and can lead to cancer. You should reapply sunscreen evenly and thoroughly every 2 hours.
The SPF in a moisturizer can work just as well as SPF in sunscreen if you’re applying enough to get the coverage you need. It’s a good idea to have a separate sunscreen if you spend a lot of time outside.
Chemical sunscreen absorbs rays within your skin cells, like a filter. Mineral sunscreen blocks sun rays by sitting on top of your skin. The primary difference between the two is that mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or both, as active ingredients. Both chemical and mineral sunscreen will protect you from sun damage.
For more information, review these sunscreen FAQs from the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Kaiser Permanente is one of Colorado’s largest nonprofit health care organizations. We offer health care and coverage together. In our integrated health care system, connected teams coordinate your care seamlessly to keep you healthy and doing what you love. Learn more about our approach to simple, personalized health care at kp.org/co.
1 “Sunscreen FAQs,” American Academy of Dermatology Association, accessed May 7, 2024.