Sun protection is extremely important. While we all need some exposure to the sun, too much sun exposure can cause age spots, eye damage, premature wrinkles, sunburn and even skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Also, it is estimated that approximately 9,500 people, in the U.S., are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. The good news is that there are some ways you can enjoy the sun safely.
Avoid sun during peak times– Protection from the sun’s UV rays is important throughout the day, but during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun’s UV rays are at their most intense. It is best to avoid being out in the sun during these hours whenever possible.
Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications– According to Web MD, there are some medications that contain certain ingredients that may cause you to be more sensitive to the sun and the heat. Some of these medications include antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungals, antihistamines, cholesterol-lowering drugs, chemotherapy drugs, diuretics, hypoglycemics, neuroleptic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), retinoids and sulfonamides. While not everyone that takes these medications will have a reaction, it is still important to note that a reaction can occur.
Apply sunscreen– When choosing a sunscreen, you want to choose one that has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. The SPF number represents the level of protection that the sunscreen will provide against UVB rays. For instance, an SPF 30 is designed to filter out about 97% of UVB rays. You also want to choose a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection. This type of protection protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Be sure you apply your sunscreen about 15-20 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours, or every hour if you’re swimming or sweating.
Wear a hat– When out in the sun, wearing a hat will help to protect your head, face, neck and ears. For the best sun protection, choose a wide-brimmed hat that is made with a tightly woven fabric like canvas.
Wear sunglasses– Wearing sunglasses helps to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause eye damage like cataracts. For the best sun protection, wear sunglasses that offer either 99% or 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. To ensure full sun protection, choose wrap-around sunglasses, which block the sun’s rays all around.
