Posted on May 2, 2015
Sunscreen is not the only way to you can protect yourself against the sun.
We all know about sunscreen:
- put it on 20 minutes before going outside
- SPF 30 or above, UVA and UVB protection
- reapply every 2 hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating
What else should you do to protect yourself?
- Wear protective clothing. surf shirts, spf work out gear, hats. I am sure most of you aren’t diligent about reapplying sunscreen. For those of you with kids good luck getting them to put it on repeatedly while at the pool. Many of you are concerned about chemicals in sunscreen as well- just wear SPF clothes to protect. Particularly for the face, chest, back, and arms.
- Shade. Sit under an umbrella. Let it block some of the sun rays for you.
- Timing. Sun is hottest and most damaging between 10 and 4pm. I saw a good rule, “If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.”
- Beware of the reflectors. Water, snow, and sand all reflect the damaging rays and intensify them.
- Get Vitamin D from diet and supplements.
Always avoid the tanning beds as well. I have many blogs about this. The idea of the “base tan” is out. Use a self tanner if you want the glow. (I have blogs about this as well.)
And my favorite piece of advice I read? Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you see anything different- growing, bleeding, changing, an area that “won’t heal.” See a dermatologist. If caught early, skin cancer is very treatable.