Memorial Day weekend is almost here. If you’re one of the lucky ones who don’t have to work, chances are you’ll be spending at least part of your holiday in the great outdoors. As you head out the door grab your sunscreen. Taking simple precautions to protect your skin now could save your life.
Why sunscreen?
Studies show most Americans don’t use sunscreen. Sunscreens filter the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are high energy and responsible for sunburn. UVB rays are low energy and more constant year round. They contribute to skin aging and are linked to melanoma – the most deadly form of cancer. You should avoid sunburn, no matter your age.
The American Academy of Dermatology offers some great guidelines:
- Use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen at least SPF 30
- Apply 15 minutes BEFORE exposure
- Cover your ENTIRE body (don’t forget your feet and your ears)
- Reapply every 2 hours
Apply sunscreen properly
Did you know that we tend to put plenty of sunscreen on our face and not nearly enough on other parts of our body? Yet, melanoma is most often found on the trunk of the body!
The FDA advises us to AVOID spray on sunscreens. They are so convenient, but we don’t always apply enough to reach the full SPF value.
High SPF may not be better. As the SPF goes higher and higher, you don’t really get a proportional increase in the amount of UV protection. Here’s an interesting fact: The chemical ingredient level allowed in United States sunscreens maxes out at SPF 20.
So let’s recap…
To avoid sunburn you should:
Plan ahead
There is a great tool online at EPA.gov. They have a UV Index that you can type in your zip code and find out your UV forecast. The higher the index, the more protection you need. This will help you decide when to go out and what to wear. Remember clothing can help. Darker clothing is best. Also a hat and sunglasses can help.
Stay out of the sun during the hottest times
That’s between the hours of 10am and 2pm
Apply sunscreen
Not just once, every 2 hours.
And if you do get sunburned…
Try using the aloe gel in an aloe plant. Purchase a plant and keep it nearby for burns. If you buy aloe gel, avoid the green tinted ones because they can irritate the burn. Cold compresses, aspirin or acetaminophen over the next 24 hours and rehydrating yourself by drinking lots of water will help you recover for more – safe – fun in the sun!
