Sun Safety
It’s that time of year again! The sun is out, the temperatures are warm, and most of us are looking to spend time outdoors with our loved ones. Going to the beach, rafting, and laying by the water are some of my bucket list activities.
As much as I enjoy being next to the pool and water, it’s very important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and excessive sun exposure. I notice that if I’m outside for too long, my skin appears to be dry, and I can develop mild to moderate sun burns. Worse, prolonged exposure to sun can lead to skin damage, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Yikes!
We can all agree that protecting your skin is very important. But what is fact and what is fiction? What do we need to do to adequately protect ourselves? Find out and test your knowledge below!
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T/F: One application of sunscreen is all you need a day.
False! Sunscreen should be applied multiple times throughout the day, especially if you are swimming or being active. The general rule of thumb is to reapply every 2 hours. Apply about 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons of sunscreen on your face, arms, and body.
T/F: You CAN get damage from the sun on a cloudy day.
True! The sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds and can even damage your skin as you’re driving in your car. The best method to protect your skin is consistency, which means applying sunscreen year-round and applying in the morning and before you go outdoors.
T/F: Sunscreen is more important than wearing layers.
False! As much as it’s important to wear sunscreen, wearing loose, breathable hats/attire offer more protection as the sun’s rays are directly hitting your skin. A combination of protective gear (long sleeves, wide brimmed hats) sunscreen, AND moderate time spent outdoors is the ultimate protection against sun damage.
For more information, visit the CDC’s website to learn more on sun safety and how you can protect yourself. Have a great summer!
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