Sunscreen: A Win For Your Skin

Ready to exchange your heavy coats and winter gear for short sleeves and summer sunshine?  Here are some tips for protecting your skin while enjoying the sun.

Know the facts:

  • Even on cloudy days, you are still exposed to 80% of UVA and UVB rays from the sun, which can cause wrinkling, premature aging, and skin cancer.

  • Each year in the U.S. over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people.

  • The higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the stronger the protection against UV rays and the longer you can be outside without burning.  Dermatologists suggest using an SPF of 30 or more.

Sunscreen Tips:

  • Swimming or sweating?  Reapply sunscreen every two hours. Read the labels on your sunscreen for exact directions! 

  • Lips are also susceptible to sunburn; protect your lips by using SPF lip balm.

  • Remember to apply sunscreen to frequently forgotten areas, such as your ears and the tops of your feet.

  • Sunscreen expires every 3 years; check the bottle for an expiration date, and replace as needed for effective protection.

  • If you do get sunburned, drink extra water to prevent dehydration; sunburn draws fluid toward the skin and away from other organs.

  • Want more information about how the sun interacts with your skin?  Check out these source websites for more facts!

 

Contributed by Marissa Nazareno