Welcome to summer! The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the skin quickly, sometimes in as little as 15 minutes. Here are some tips to help with sun safety this summer:
1- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 15) before you go outside. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours (or more often after swimming/sweating/drying off). Sunscreen does have an expiration date, be sure that your sunscreen is still effective by using it before the expiration. Remember UV light is the strongest from 10am-2pm (this is a time to avoid or use extra precautions).
2- Utilize the shade whenever possible. You can reduce the risk of skin damage and cancer by using shade (like under an umbrella or tree).
3- Choose clothing that has ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) already built into the clothing. If UPF clothing is not available, clothes made from tightly woven fabrics offer protection as well. Dark colored clothing also offers more protection than light colored clothing.
4- Hats are a great way to help shade your face, ears, and the back of your neck. If you are using a hat that doesn’t protect the ears or neck, be sure to apply sunscreen on these areas.
5- A way to protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce cataracts is to wear sunglasses. Sunglasses also protect the skin around your eyes from sun exposure. Most sunglasses sold in the United States offer both UVA and UVB protection.
Follow all of these sun safety tips to have a safe, sunny summer.