Spring Break Fun in the Sun!

You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by using some preventative measures before you burn or cause sun damage. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes.

Shade

Use an umbrella, tree or some type of shade.

Clothing

Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible. There are some cute and stylish fishing and sun gear that will allow you to look sexy, fresh and also provide 50 UPF.   

Hat

Wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck and hopefully your chest area. The tighter the weave, the better the protection. Baseball caps do not protect your ears and back of your neck.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and help to reduce squinting wrinkles around the eyes. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection.

Sunscreen

Put on broad spectrum sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options to prevent UV damage.

How sunscreen works. Most sunscreen products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight.

SPF. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15, but I recommend 30 or more.

Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Expiration date. Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

Cosmetics. Some makeup and lip balms contain some of the same sun-protective ingredients used in sunscreens. If they do not have at least SPF 15, be sure to use other forms of protection as well, such as sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.