8 Sun Safety Tips

It’s the middle of summer and everyone loves having fun in the sun. The sun is definitely good for your body and soul, but just like everything else, the sun is only good in moderation.

The two types of UV rays we should protect ourselves from are UVA rays and UVB rays. The ‘A’ rays cause aging and leathering of the skin. The ‘B’ rays cause burns and skin cancer.

Tips:

1. Apply sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher.

2. Make sure your sunscreen protects against ‘A’ rays and ‘B’ rays by checking for ingredients: avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide.

3. Sometimes on cloudy overcast days the UVB rays can increase in intensity. Thus, don’t be fooled and forget to protect your skin.

4. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

5. Wear brimmed hats to protect more sensitive skin areas: face, neck, shoulders, ears, and scalp.

6. Minimize the sun between 10am and 3pm. If you are in the sun between these hours, make sure you are extra protective.

7. Be extra protective when in the water and on the sand because this is where the UV rays are most intense.

8. Children need extra sun protection. If you get 1 or 2 blistering sunburns before the age of 18, your risk for skin cancer can dramatically increase.

Even with sunscreen, some UV rays can still get through. Therefore, use the other sun safety tips in addition to applying sunscreen. Have fun in the sun and remember to protect your skin!