STAYING SAFE IN THE SUN

Don’t let the sun ruin your summer
No matter the weather or time of year, protecting yourself and your family from the sun is important. According to the FDA, “exposing your skin to the sun year-round means you are exposing it to ultraviolet radiation, which can cause sunburn, skin aging (such as skin spots, wrinkles, or “leathery skin”), eye damage, and skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S.” 

How can you reduce your risk for sunburn, skin cancer, and early signs of aging?
-Limit your time in the sun and stick to shaded areas outside.
-Wear clothing to cover your skin exposed to the sun. Time to break out your wide-brimmed hat!
-Broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher should be used regularly and as directed. Ensure you apply sunscreen to all uncovered skin every two hours, especially your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and lips.
-Protect your eyes with sunglasses. Choose sunglasses with a UV400 rating or “100% UV protection” on the label. 

Despite following these tips, did you still get a sunburn? Here are some ways to alleviate the pain.
-Take a cool bath or shower, and gently pat yourself dry as soon as you get out.
-Drink extra water. Drinking extra water when you are sunburned helps prevent dehydration.
-Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin.
-Consider taking a pain reliever to reduce discomfort. Make sure you follow the dosing guidelines on the bottle.
-Stay out of the sun until you are fully healed.