Protect yourself and your children from harmful sun rays this summer by incorporating these tips:
- Avoid sun’s strongest rays, those between 10AM – 4PM. If spending time in the sun during these peak hours, seek shade, or apply and reapply sunscreen.
- Cover up and shield skin from UV rays by using umbrellas and/or hats with brims. This will protect from the damaging effects that cause wrinkling and sagging skin on the face.
- When purchasing sunscreens, purchase those that are at least 30 SPF that protect from UVA and UVB rays. These are typically called broad-spectrum sunscreens. Avoid sunscreen with vitamin A (also called retinol or retinyl palmitate) as this may increase risk of tumors or lesions.
- Get rid of sunscreen that is expired or those that have been in the cabinet at home for 2-3 years.
- Make sure to apply sunscreen and lip balm with SPF protection 15-30 min before going outside. Do not forget ears, hands, feet, shoulders, and areas behind the neck and under bathing suit straps. Reapply every 2 hours, regardless of how high the SPF protection is.
- If bug repellent is needed, purchase it separately and apply prior to applying sunscreen.
- Be particularly careful if having light skin and/or blonde, red or light brown hair, a family history of skin cancer, or if you have been treated for skin cancer in the past.
- Use sunscreen even if dark skinned. Even those with dark complexion can get sun damage.
- Purchase and remember to wear sunglasses that say 100% UV protection. Large wraparound style frames offer more protection for the eyes. Sunglasses are very important, as just one day in the sun can burn the cornea of the eye. When doing water activities, sunglasses are essential as UV light reflects off the water surface.
- Check to see if any prescribed medications increase sensitivity to the sun.
Do not peel sunburned skin as doing so increases susceptibility to infection. If suffering from severe sunburn or blisters, call a doctor.
Content Courtesy: Marquee Health
