Archives
Summer Sun Safety
Summer fun usually means summer sun. So before you, your children, your friends, or your spouse venture outdoors, take some time to understand the importance of skin protection and turn that understanding in action steps.
Why is skin protection important? Sunlight contains three types of invisible ultraviolet rays: UVA, which can cause skin aging, wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer; UVB, which can cause sunburns, cataracts, contribute to skin cancer, and immune system damage; and UVC, which are the most dangerous rays but are blocked by the ozone layer and don’t reach the earth. Unprotected sun exposure is dangerous for everyone but especially children who have fair skin and hair, moles, or a family history of skin cancer.
So what are the best protection measures to take?
- Use sunscreen consistently!There are a lot of good brands of sunscreen on the market with special formulations for children, adults, skin sensitivity, or application types (lotion, sprays, creams, etc.), but the most important element is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number on the label. SPF tells you how much longer you can sty in the sun without burning if you apply the sunscreen which blocks the sun’s rays. For example: If you would burn after 20 minutes of sun exposure, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of it gives you 15 times the protection.
- Use sunscreen appropriately! Use sunscreen whenever you or your children will be in the sun. Apply it 30 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget those forgettable areas (such as tops of ears, lips, feet, under bathing suit straps). Apply generously an every 2- to 3 hours. Use waterproof sunscreen if you’re going to be around water and reapply every time you or your children come out of the water. Sunscreen should not be applied to babies younger than 6 months so keep them out of the sun; or, if unavoidable, cover them up.
- Avoid prolonged exposure and the strongest rays. Avoid being in the sun when it’s highest overhead (normally 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.).
- Remember UV rays travel through clouds so protection is important even on cloudy days. UV rays will also reflect off sand, water and even concrete. Don’t be fooled thinking protection is unnecessary just because it’s cool or cloudy.
- Cover up! This could be one of the best ways to protect you and your family from harmful UV rays. But not all clothing acts as a sun screen. Make sure by placing your hand inside garments and make sure you cannot see your hand through the clothes.
- Ask your doctor about your medications. Some medications will increase sensitivity to UV rays. Ask your doctor about any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications being taken to make sure risks are increased. Even sunscreen may not protect skin from sun sensitivity caused by medications.