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Safer Summer

Posted on May 19, 2009
Filed Under Education, Health News, Lifestyle, Physical Fitness | 5 Comments

Summer is upon us and sun worshippers are already out at the beach in droves. However, it is important to remember a few important things about the danger that sun exposure cause. If environmentalists are correct in their assumption that the ozone layer has been significantly depleted, the UV rays of the sun may be even more dangerous than before.

Almost everyone now knows that the ultraviolet – - or UV – - rays of the sun can cause skin cancer and premature aging as well as sunburn. However, some people still don’t understand that the UVA rays that lead to premature wrinkling cannot be completely voided. They are present any time you are outside in the sun, no matter where you are located. For this reason many physicians recommend wearing a hat to protect the face as well as sunglasses to protect the eyes whenever you are outside.

UVB rays, on the other hand, can lead to serious sunburn, which could, in turn, lead to skin cancer. Those type of rays become stronger the closer you are to the sun, which is why they are particularly dangerous during the heat of summer or in certain locations close to the equator.

To prevent UVB rays from penetrating the skin and damaging it from within, doctors recommend that individuals use what is referred to as a broad spectrum sunscreen lotion with a SPF rating of 30 or more. However, not just any old sunblock will work for those who are also concerned about premature aging. Some sunscreens protect only against one type of sunray or the other. To prevent excessive wrinkling it is important to find a sunblock that has both UVA and UVB protection. In particular, look for those that contain helioplex.

Here are some additional tips to help prevent those horrible summer sunburns and to protect your skin:

1. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes every time you go out in the sun.
2. Don’t stay out in the sun for long periods of time even if you are wearing a sunblock.
3. Wear a UVB sunscreen when driving in your car since the glass will not block those rays.
4. Stay out of the sun or limit sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
5. Apply sunscreen about one half-hour before entering the sun and reapply regularly during exposure.
6. Don’t forget about your scalp, ears, nose, and feet. These areas are often overlooked when applying sunscreen, yet they burn just as easily as the rest of the body.
7. Use a tanning bed lotion to protect the skin when using a tanning bed.
8. Don’t use a tanning bed longer than the recommended time or more often than recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Know if you are taking medications that increase the danger of sun exposure. If so, follow the prescription warnings provided on the bottle.
10. Use cosmetics that provide extra sunscreen protection.

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