With the warm weather now upon us many people are spending time outside. It is important to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sunlight is composed of two types of UV rays that can reach the earth. Overexposure of either of these two UV rays can cause skin cancer.
Did you know that up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin on a cloudy day?
The two types of UV rays are:
UVA – causes premature aging of your skin leading to wrinkles and age spots
UVB – causes sunburns
Did you know that, unlike UVB rays, UVA rays can pass through the glass in your windows?
To protect your skin, use the following tips:
- Stay in the shade, especially during the hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest (approximately 11am to 3pm). Use the rule of thumb: that when your shadow is shorter than you are you need to be in the shade!
- Avoid tanning beds. The UV light from tanning beds can cause cancer and premature skin aging.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least SPF 30. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will block 97% of the sun’s rays; but remember there is no sunscreen that can block 100% of the sun’s rays.
Photo from https://tbrhsc.net/sunscreen-science
When applying sunscreen be sure to apply it to all exposed skin, including the tops of your feet, neck, ears and head. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going outdoors. You need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, after swimming and/or sweating. It is also important to apply a lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips.
