- Never stay out in exposed sun light between10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Still apply sun screen in the shade because sand, concrete and water can reflect harmful rays.
- You have to reapply sunscreen every two hours because perspiration, exercise and swimming can remove the sunscreen. All sunscreen ingredients break down upon exposure to sunlight. That’s part of how they work to protect your skin and part of why reapplication is necessary.
- Sun lotion on your face and back of the hands will limit the chances of developing dry leathery skin, wrinkles, mottling and other signs of premature aging and not to mention skin cancer
- Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin 15 minutes before exposure to the sun which allows it time to absorb properly.
- Overcast weather still requires sunscreen in summer because 80 per cent of ultra-violet radiation is still present on cloudy days.
- Take extra care to cover over vulnerable areas such as the back of neck and nose
- Wear sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes. Sun rays can also damage your eyes, potentially causing cataracts and vision loss as you age.
- Wear broad-brimmed hats to protect head and face. They have hats with a UV protection available.
- Remember thin clothes do not always offer good enough protection against the sun
- Watch out for moles as these are the starting points for any type of skin cancer.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Never expose a baby of under six months to direct sun light
- The SPF rating system is misleading. As it stands, the term "SPF" only factors in UVB rays and not UVAs. While ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are the main cause of sunburn and are the strongest in the summer. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays remain constant throughout the year. UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Although they are less intense than UVB, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent, and go through glass, making sun protection necessary indoors as well as out.
- Avoid chemical sunscreens that have ingredients saying oxybenzone, phthalates and parabens. They maybe harmful to your body as well as the environment.
- Keep sunscreen and lip balms (w/ spf in them) in your car, in your purse, everywhere. You never know when you’ll need it.
Refereneces
Spiers, Katie Recipes for Natural Beauty Qarto inc. 1998 pg42
Griffin, Morgan R. Sun Safety, Sunscreen and Sun Protection webMD
