The dermatologists here at Horizon Family Medical Group want to remind you that summer is just around the corner. Warm temperatures and sunny days can be fun, but they also come with precautions. A wicked sunburn is a quick way to end your day, your vacation, and your good time. So before heading outside, make sure you put on sunscreen.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has some great educational information and videos to ensure you’re informed about the sunscreen you buy, what to look for, and why you should use it–watch the videos below.[1]
Sunscreen Tips
Here are some quick tips to remember when spending time in the sun:
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15+ or more.
- Make sure you use a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum.” Broad spectrum sunscreens block BOTH ultraviolet A and B rays. (UV/A causes aging, UV/B causes burns. Both can cause cancer.)
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.
- Avoid sun during the hottest time of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.).
- Wear clothing to cover skin, including long-sleeved shirts, hats, sunglasses, and long pants.
- Make sure your kids are sunscreened. Limit sun exposure for babies younger than 6 months, only applying sunscreen when adequate clothing and shade is unavailable.[3]
Sources
[1] ABCs OF SUN PROTECTION AND SAFETY: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm239463.htm
[2] VIDEOS: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm258416.htm
[3] SUN AND WATER SAFETY TIPS: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Sun-and-Water-Safety-Tips.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR:+No+local+token