After the topsy-turvy weather of spring, the steady summer sun beckons people from their homes.
The beautiful weather inspires countless ways to enjoy the rising temperatures and brighter days. Images of outdoor fun — running through a sprinkler or spending the afternoon at a park — dance in one’s mind, but soaking in the sun also means more exposure to ultraviolet rays.
UV rays are an invisible form of radiation that can penetrate skin and change the structure of cells. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they appear to be the most important environment factor in the development of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States.
Most forms are curable, but the best practice is to avoid it by protecting yourself from the sun year-round — and especially during the summer.
You may think you’re already guarded well from the sun, but how often have you returned home after spending some time outside only to realize you’re burned from head to toe?
Unprotected skin can be damaged in as little as 15 minutes, but it may be 12 hours before you see the full effects. Remember: If you see pink in the sun, you could be seeing red the next day.
A good place to start for sun protection is sunscreen. Choose one with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15 or higher that provides both UVA and UVB protection.
Coppertone® offers adequate SPF protection in the form of a waterproof spray for easy application. If you’re more active, you might opt for Continuous Spray Sport, which is waterproof, sweat-resistant and has an SPF of 30. For the younger ones in your group, consider Continuous Spray Kids. It has an SPF of 50 and is waterproof and hypoallergenic.
Another option is Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® Dry Touch Sunblock. It’s waterproof, sweatproof, and features Helioplex®, the latest in preventing UVA rays from penetrating deep under the skin. The Dry-Touch technology absorbs excess sunscreen oils, leaving a clean, lightweight and non-shiny finish.
After choosing a sunscreen, be sure to use it generously and re-apply often. Remember to cover those seldom-thought-of places like ears, nose, lips and tops of feet. They often go unnoticed, but they’ll be all you can think of once they’re burned!
There’s still more you can do once sunscreen is applied. Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, cover up with clothing, wear a hat and grab some sunglasses.
And don’t forget: UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days, too, and they reflect off water, cement, sand and snow.
So go ahead and satisfy the urge to play outside when temperatures rise. Just be sure every day can include something fun by helping your family avoid the burn.
