National Sunscreen Day

With summer just around the corner in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s time to look to sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

• Check the SPF for UVB protection. The SPF number indicates how well a sunscreen protects against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. If you’d normally get a sunburn in 10 minutes, an SPF 15 extends that by 15 times. So you could last 150 minutes before burning. How high an SPF do you need?  The recommendation is SPF 30 or higher.
• SPF is not the only thing to watch for.  Make sure you check the label for UVA, Broad Spectrum or Multi-Spectrum protection.
• Not all sunscreens are water resistant and none are waterproof!  Be sure to watch for that on the label and re-apply as directed.
• Don’t forget your lips and eyes!  Apply a lip balm with sunscreen, wear sunglasses and broad brimmed hats to offer additional protection.
• According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, wearing clothes that are more tightly woven and darker in color offer better sun protection.
• You can still get burned on a cloudy or hazy day.
• Check your local UV Index with the EPA and follow their direction.
• Avoid being outdoors during the hours of 10 and 4.  This is when the UV rays are the strongest.
• Kids delicate skin can be burned in as little as 15 minutes and the harmful effects of the sun may take up to 12 hours to appear burned.

If you prepare your skin, you can have a wonderful day in the sun without worry or alarm!  Happy Sunscreen Day!