Summer Fun and Sunscreen

Caucasian arm being held out of a person wearing a black with black horizontal stripes, a pair of sunglasses hanging from the neck of the shirt, wearing blue jeans and a tan belt, with drops of white sunscreen cream on their arm. There is a yellow circle with a white tube in the top left corner of the picture.

Summer is officially here! We're just as excited as you are to spend more time exploring the beautiful outdoors. With that, the topic of sunscreen becomes more important. 

Sun Smart Saskatchewan, a coalition committed to skin cancer prevention in the province of which SCA is a member, wants to remind you of some important facts about sunscreen.

In Canada, sunscreens are classified as non-prescription drugs or natural health products, depending on their active ingredients. They are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and its Regulations and are safe for daily use. Sunscreen works by absorbing and/or blocking UV rays and is ranked based on its Sun Protection Factor (SPF). 

It is recommended that you use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 and higher, which blocks at least 97% of the sun's rays. Sunscreen is a great way to protect yourself from sunburn and skin damage, but it should always be used as part of a more comprehensive sun safety strategy. Always think "Slip, slop, slide, slap, and seek" when outdoors.

Check out this Health Canada webpage on sunscreens for more information about sunscreen and its usage, and feel free to send us any questions or concerns you have. 

Have a wonderful and safe summer!