The sun is very important to us. Our mood, health, and well being depend on it. As we need it for a good Vitamin D percentage in our bodies. Even though the sun is such a great part of positive things in our lives, it is also responsible for great harm if we are not careful.
Sun protection these days is one of the most important things we must do, every day. Sun exposure is not harmful only during the summer, it is dangerous even in winter, behind the clouds. Exposure without protection may lead to skin cancer, which has made so many people suffer. So if we can prevent the danger, we must do it every day and do it correctly.
Here are some steps for correct sun protection:
- Use sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy.
- Apply at least one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Also, use a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Make sure it is water-resistant and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Other sunscreens may help keep you from getting sunburned, but they won’t protect against skin cancer.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours. Reapply every hour if you are swimming or sweating.
- Be extra careful around water and sand. These surfaces reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of getting a sunburn.
- Keep babies younger than 6 months old completely covered and in the shade.
- Limit the amount of time you’re in the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This is when the sun's rays are the most intense. Practice the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are at their strongest, and you should find shade.
- If possible, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
- Accessorize with a hat that shades your face, neck, and ears and a pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses with lenses that have 99% to 100% UV absorption provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
- Be even more cautious if you are taking medications that may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Enjoy the sun with responsibility!
