Do You Use Sun Screen Protection ?

United States
February 24, 2008 6:35pm CST
With the apparent depletion of the ozone layer, the sun is getting more powerful. This power has to affect our ability to withstand the suns rays. Did you know that the sun does most of its damage in childhood? An estimated 80% of total lifetime sun exposure occurs in the first 18 years of life. Yet, the majority of children and teens are not using sunscreens or following sun safety advice. With rates of most skin cancers on the rise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) are urging sun protection measures starting in childhood. Why are both parents and children ignoring medical advice to wear sunscreen and protect their skin from the sun? Are you protecting yourself and your family from the suns harmful rays? What SPF are you using? Are there other precautions that you are taking?
1 person likes this
13 responses
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
25 Feb 08
I usually don't use any kind of sunscreen when I sun bathe. I want to get the full effects of the sun rays to try and get a tan. I wish i had used it a few times when we went to Florida though because I have some sun spots on my legs that will be there forever. I do try not to get as mnuch sun now like I did when I was younger and i always wear sunglasses to protect my eyes also.
2 people like this
• United States
25 Feb 08
My youngest daughter even had to wear sun glasses when she went sking. Even if she was not going to be sking very long. She had very sensitive eyes and they would sunburn.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
26 Feb 08
Wow. That is something else. I feel sorry for her for that. I wish I would have protected myself more years ago but it is too late now.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
25 Feb 08
Since my skin only knows 2 colors (white and red) I have to use sunscreen. Lately, I've been ok with 30, but I used to use 45 and 50.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
26 Feb 08
I'm allergic to many of the prescriptions that you have to stay out of the sun for (sulfer antiobotics). But I've ALWAYS burned easily. My youngest was the same way - we have enough red in our hair to make us miserable! I just don't go out without sunscreen - unless it's only for about 15 minutes or so.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
So your skin burns easily? Mine never did burn easily. I am in my late 40's and I have had one sunburn in my entire life. It was a bad one though. Now I take so many meds that I am not allowed to be in the sun at all.
1 person likes this
@subha12 (18441)
• India
25 Feb 08
No i do not use it now. In my area the summer is very humid too. My skin is oily above all. last year i tried using some very good qualitty sun screen. But i got pimples very badly. so now I ahve stopped using sun screen. But i think i need to use it.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
The Experts say that with the depletion of the ozone, we are at more risk than ever before from the suns damage
@the_ruler (1442)
• Turkey
25 Feb 08
I didn't know it is that effective in all areas and I think it is not completely true. I mean, the sun rays might be harmful but not as much as they say, maybe not in every areas of the world but in the areas with ozone hole. Since I don't know much about the subject I would like to learn more about the effects and protection
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I am finding from reading the comments that there are many people who are concerned about the health risks of the sun.
@tinkerick (1257)
• United States
25 Feb 08
Yes definitely. Even with all the news, specials and warnings, people still don't seem to understand that protecting their skin when young, prevents damage when they're older. When we're on a family outing in the sun I always cover my kids with sunscreen. I don't buy anything higher than SPF 15, because I've heard it's just a waste of money. The higher SPF's provide very minimal extra protection over 15. For myself I started using a daily facial moisturizer about a year ago, that also has SPF 15. I do this to help slow down facial aging. -Tink
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
I worry that many low income families in our area do not put enough value on sun protection.
@tinkerick (1257)
• United States
25 Feb 08
I agree, especially since most of the name brand sunscreens are outrageously priced. I buy a generic brand from Walmart and it's only like $4 for a decent size tube or bottle.
1 person likes this
@Saicows (113)
• Brazil
25 Feb 08
I don´t take much precautions. But the sun don´t burn my skin to much, must be because i´m not too white lol.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
You are one of the lucky ones then. Thanks for your comment. I thought the sun would burn any skin.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
25 Feb 08
all my life I have hated the sun, no I don't use anything, but never stay out very long in it anyway
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
I love the sun but I take so many medications now that I have to stay out of it. I dont always do what I am told though.
@babystar1 (4233)
• United States
25 Feb 08
Yes I do use sun screens all the time, because the effects of harmful UV rays on our skin are well known to almost everyone. We protect our skin from harmful rays of the sun by using sunscreens while going out in the sun. Two kinds of UV rays, UVA and UVB are invisible, yet very powerful and harmful that can even cause skin cancer. Other problems it may cause include dilated blood vessels, changes in skin texture, abnormal pigmentation and wrinkles, pertaining to premature aging of skin. Repeatedly getting sunburns is the shortcut to skin cancer. One thing that comes to your rescue is sunscreen. Sunscreen lotions and creams are available in different sizes. Sunscreens typically protected our skin while we are exposed to the sun. Along with the use of proper sunscreen protection, you also should stay away from the mid-day sun and take protective measures like wearing a hat, and dressing that completely cover your body.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
My sister sunbathes in summer and lays in the tanning bed all winter. Her skin is really wrinkled. She is younger than I am but you would never know it.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
25 Feb 08
We use SPF 30 and as far as I am aware it seems to work fine for us. I usually have my son cover up though and wear a hat or cap that covers the back of the neck too.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
My husband works outdoors and he burns on his neck, front and back and his ears. He does wear a hard hat but it does not seem to protect very much.
25 Feb 08
beileve in nature.don't use any kinda sun cream protection.
1 person likes this
@pinay81 (1535)
• Philippines
25 Feb 08
i use sunscreen all over my body specially in my face i use clean&clear spf15 moisturizer and nivea sun low4 lotion specially here in middle east when its summer the temperature goes up to 47c too much hot even the air so i always use sunblock.
1 person likes this
@ayou82 (3450)
• Philippines
25 Feb 08
WE always need sunscreen protections. Because nowadays we have to be careful as the sun is thinning and theres a great possibility that we end up having skin cancers.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
I agree with you so very much. My father worked outdoors all his life. Back then, sunscreen was not used like it is today. He has skin cancer on his face.
@manya_pearl (1901)
• Singapore
25 Feb 08
Yes, i use sun screen protection. I prefer to use some nivea products or other baby lotion with anti-uv and squalene. I dont use a specific product with SPF.
• United States
25 Feb 08
I have heard wonderful things about the SPF in Nivea products. Even my moisturizer has 15 SPF.