Sun Safety 101
Sun Safety is so important, and protecting your skin from a young age is the best way to avoid the negative effects of UV rays. After a long snowy winter, nothing feels better than the sun on a warm summer day; but did you know that exposure to ultraviolet light can break down the fibers of your skin, causing it to wrinkle, develop dark spots, and can even cause skin cancer? Skin is the largest bodily organ, so make sure you follow some basic skin safety!
Protect Your Skin
Wear sunscreen everyday. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate your skin. So apply sunscreen every single day in every kind of weather! Your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and say "broad-spectrum" on the label. Broad-Spectrum means it protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Use about 1 oz. of product for each application!
Reapply sunscreen at least every 80 minutes. If you’re sweating or swimming, you’ll need to lather up even more frequently.
Wear sunglasses, particularly those that include “UV protection” on the label.
Wear wide-brimmed hats, and long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible. Grab a seat in the shade when possible.
Avoid being out in the sun as much as possible from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this is when the sun’s rays are most direct and powerful.
Check your skin regularly so you know what's normal for you and to notice any changes.
Choose cosmetics and contact lenses that offer UV protection. You still need to use sunscreen and wear sunglasses with broad-spectrum sun protection.