Summer Sun Protection Tips

5 Sunscreen Tips to Protect Your Skin

The bright summer months are a great time to be outdoors, but extended exposure to sunlight can cause serious damage to your skin. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging and cancer.

The best way to protect your skin while still enjoying the outdoors is to regularly apply sunscreen to any area of your body that’s exposed to the sun. It’s also important to use a sunscreen that offers the best protection for the situation you’re in. Here are five important tips you can use to protect your skin this summer:

1. Choose a sunscreen that includes broad spectrum protection on the label. These sunscreens will protect you from both types of UV rays.
2. Make sure that any sunscreen you use has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. A higher SPF means that more UV light is filtered out before it can reach your skin.
3. Use water-resistant sunscreens if you’ll be swimming or sweating in the sun. Also, be sure to inspect the sunscreen’s label to see how long it lasts in the presence of water or sweat.
4. Follow the instructions on the sunscreen’s label when applying it to your skin. You should apply the sunscreen evenly to any exposed area of your body. It generally takes 1 fluid ounce of sunscreen to cover an adult.
5. Reapply sunscreen every two hours. You may need to reapply it more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating, or if it’s been rubbed off by a towel or clothing.

Do Your Sunglasses Offer Enough Protection?

The American Optometric Association estimates that 47 percent of consumers don’t check their sunglasses to see if they offer adequate protection from UV rays.

The eyes are one of the most sensitive areas of the body, and exposure to even a small amount of UV rays can result in cataracts and cancer of the eyelids later in life. Keep these tips in mind when purchasing a pair of sunglasses:

• The sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation.
• A uniform tint should be present. A gray tint is best for color identification while driving.
• The frame of the sunglasses should stay close to your eyes and curve around your face to offer protection from multiple angles.