What is FPS? How to find the best sunscreen, prevent sunburn

Summer is the time of year when we all get outside and enjoy the long days, warm weather, and endless activities.

Since we spend a lot of time outdoors, we are also susceptible to sunburn. The best way to avoid sunburn and still go outside is to use sunscreen. Here’s what you need to know about sunburn and sunscreen.

What is a sunburn?

A sunburn is inflamed, painful skin that feels hot to the touch and appears after a person has been exposed to the sun for a long time, according to the Mayo clinic. This happens due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. UV light damages skin cells and the immune system increases blood flow to the area causing skin inflammation.

Intense and repeated sun exposure, even without sunburn, increases the risk of skin cancer, such as melanoma. It can damage the DNA of skin cells. Sunburn in childhood and adolescence can increase the risk of melanoma later in life.

How to avoid sunburn

• Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 4pm: The sun’s rays are strongest during these hours, so it’s best to stay at home.

• Use sunscreen frequently and generously: Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant lip balm and sunscreen, even on cloudy days

• To cover. Using items like umbrellas or wide-brimmed hats can offer protection in addition to sunscreen. Dark clothing with a tight weave offers more protection. Consider using outdoor gear specially designed to provide sun protection.

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What type of sunscreen should I use?

When leaving the house, you must apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor or SPF of at least 30, according to the Mayo clinic. You should apply it 30 minutes before leaving the house and reapply every two hours – more often if you’re swimming or sweating.

What does FPS mean?

SPF is the amount of solar energy required to produce a sunburn on protected skin in relation to the amount of solar energy required to produce a sunburn on unprotected skin, according to the Food and Drug Administration. As the FPS value increases, sun protection increases.

Which FPS is best?

O The American Academy of Dermatology recommends use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which will block 97% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. A high SPF number will block a little more of the sun’s UV rays, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the rays.

How long does SPF 50 last?

A higher SPF number doesn’t mean you can spend more time in the sun without reapplying. It means it will block more UV rays, but the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is small.

However, according to the American Academy of DermatologyMany individuals apply only about 20% to 50% of the amount of sunscreen needed to reach the amount of SPF indicated on the label, so applying sunscreens with high SPF helps compensate for this underapplication.

How to treat a sunburn

If you get a sunburn, the American Academy of Dermatologists recommends the following to treat it:

• Take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve pain.

• Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy.

• Take aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling and discomfort.

• Drink more water.

• If your skin blisters, let them heal. Do not pop the blisters as they protect you from infections. Keep the blisters clean and apply petroleum jelly to protect them while they heal.

This article originally appeared in the Delaware News Journal: What is FPS? How to avoid sunburn, choose a sunscreen