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Stay Safe in the Summer Sun
Summertime is here, and that means you and your family will likely be spending a
lot of time outdoors. With all the fun in the sun, it's important to understand
the risks and benefits of sun exposure and how you can make the most of your outdoor
play time. Here's what you need to know to stay safe in the sun this summer.
What are the risks and benefits of sun exposure?
Not only can sunlight provide warmth and generally
make you feel good, it's also a major source of
vitamin D, which helps the body
absorb calcium. But too much sun exposure can lead to things like
sunburn, heat
exhaustion and dehydration, as well as longer-term conditions like wrinkles, age
spots and even skin cancer.
What are the different types of UV rays and how
do they affect my family's skin?
There are 3 different types of ultraviolet (UV) rays:
- UVA rays: UVA rays make
up the majority of UV light absorbed
by your skin. They are responsible
for aging your skin and causing
wrinkles, sun damage and
skin
cancer. They are not only found in
sunlight, but also in tanning beds.
- UVB rays: UVB rays are most responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. They
break down the skin's ability to absorb antioxidants, making it difficult for the
skin to repair itself. UVB rays are stronger than UVA rays and strongest during
the summer.
- UVC rays: Though UVC rays are the strongest of all the UV rays, they are
unable to pass through the earth's ozone layer so they never make it to earth's
surface.
What do different SPF ratings really mean?
SPF stands for "sun protection factor." Generally speaking, an SPF rating tells you
how long you can be in the sun before you burn. For example, sunscreen with an SPF
of 15 means you can be in the sun 15 times longer before burning than if you had
no sunscreen.
Although no sunscreen protects
against 100% of the sun's rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 15 blocks
approximately 93% of all incoming UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks
98%. Even on cloudy days, UVA and UVB rays are
still prevalent, so it's important to wear sunscreen
to protect your kids' skin every
time they go outside.
Which sunscreen should I choose for my family?
The Skin Cancer Foundation
recommends a broad-spectrum
sunscreen which protects against UVB
rays and at least some UVA rays.
Look for water-resistant products
that can stand up against sweat,
heat and water activities, and make
sure to reapply frequently.
Visit here to find the best
sunscreens for your family, and
check out which are best for sports
and the beach.
How can I protect myself and my family from the
sun?
- Always wear a broad-spectrum
sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or
greater and reapply it every
couple of hours. Make sure to
cover hard-to-remember areas
like ears, feet and even your
hairline.
- Wear a hat and long-sleeved, loose clothing when practical.
- Choose sunglasses with complete UV protection.
- Avoid direct sun exposure during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's
rays are the strongest.
- Find shade.
How do I take care of my skin after sun exposure?
After being in the sun, skin needs to be rejuvenated.
Drinking lots of fluids can bring moisture back into your skin as well as applying
a moisturizer with vitamin E. For sunburn, apply aloe which can soothe and help
heal sunburned skin.
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