Sun Safety Tips & Reminders
With spring upon us and warmer days ahead, everyone is anxious to start spending more time outdoors, so it’s a great time for us to be reminded on how to safely be exposed to the sun’s rays. Everybody needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D, which helps calcium absorption for stronger and healthier bones, but unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system. It can also cause cancer.
There are two ultraviolet rays that actually reach the earth’s surface; they are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB rays have a higher incidence of causing skin cancer than UVA, but skin aging, wrinkling, and loss of elasticity are caused by exposure to UVA rays. Lastly, UVA rays can enhance the damaging effects of UVB rays, including skin cancer and eye cataracts.
The best way to protect yourself against the damaging effects of the sun’s rays is to limit the amount of time that you’re in the sun and provide protection to your skin when outside. Here are a few helpful tip and reminders:
- Try to avoid the sun’s UV rays when they are strongest. During spring and summertime, this would be between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. A good rule of thumb is – if your shadow is shorter than your thumb, seek shade.
- Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-proof/resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to any exposed skin. Broad spectrum will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. If you are in going to in the water, such as swimming in the pool or lake, or if you have been sweating, it is recommended that you reapply sunscreen every two hours. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you are planning to be in the sun and/or water.
- Clothing can protect your skin. Wear a light weight long sleeve shirt, pants, a wide brimmed hat that covers your face, and sunglasses when outside in the sun. Certain clothing that has UV protection factor (UPF) that can help deter the sun’s rays away from your skin.
- The sun’s damaging rays can reflect of off water, sand, and pavement. This can significantly increase your chances of a sunburn.
- Be careful on long road trips. UVB rays are blocked fairly well by glass, but UVA rays are able to pass right through the glass on your car’s windows and windshield. This is also true of the windows in your home. Be sure to apply your sunscreen and wear your sunglasses while driving.
- Using a lip balm with a SPF of 15 helps to protect your lips. Reapply as often as needed while in the sun.
- Using an umbrella or tent when at outdoor activities or sporting events can be helpful. Not only does it provide shade from the sun’s rays, but it also provides a cooler area to relax.
- Review any medications (OTC and prescription) that you take to ensure that they don’t cause your skin to have additional sensitivity to the sun’s UV rays.
- Be sure to have a skin assessment completed at least annually.
Have fun in the sun this spring, while remaining safe and protected!!!