Sun Safety
June 1, 2013
When summer hits, I want to get outside as much as possible to enjoy the sun and warm weather! It is important to know your sun safety before heading outside. Here are some tips to limit the damaging effects of the sun.
- Limit sun exposure between 10am and 2pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Clothing is the best protection – a hat, long, light-weight, loose clothing and sunglasses are best
- Clouds only block about 20% of UV rays, and shady areas still allow indirect UV rays to reach the skin. Sunscreen is still recommended even on cloudy days or in the shade!
- When choosing a sunscreen . . .
- Pick the appropriate SPF for your skin type – SPF 15-30 for dark skin, SPF 30-45 for medium skin, and SPF 45 or higher for light or sensitive skin
- Pick broad-spectrum to protect against UVA (damaging) and UVB (burning) rays
- Pick water-resistant
- Slather sunscreen all over exposed skin at least 30 minutes before sun exposure
- ½ – 1 teaspoon on your face
- 1 golf ball amount to cover body
- MOST IMPORTANT – Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours (whether you think you need to or not), AND after swimming or sweating. Routine morning application is a great start, but that’s not enough to spend a day outdoors or at the beach.
This summer season, there is no need to stay indoors. Just make sure your skin is protected when enjoying the summer sun!
