The Basics: Sun Sense Recommendations

The Basics: Sun Sense Recommendations

By Isabelle Piermattio

Exposure from the sun causes aging, wrinkles and worse, as studies show, the sun often acts as a precursor to skin cancer. Thus, recommendations from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Center for Disease Control should be taken to heart.

Here, a few tips and reminders for the whole family.

• Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.

• Apply sunscreen before dressing, eliminating possible sunburn around sleeves, edges of clothing and/or swim attire.

• Apply sunscreen daily with SPF of 15 or more. Fair to medium skin toned people should consider higher SPF products, particularly for parts of the body with greater sun exposure including face, nose, upper chest, shoulders, top of feet, and hands.

• Apply ample amount of sunscreen, roughly one ounce, or equivalent of a “shot” glass to sufficiently cover the average adult.

• Reapply sunscreen after immersion in water, or activity.

• Stay in the shade when possible; wear a brimmed hat and consider clothing made of sun safe fabrics.

• Sport sunglasses, most preferably a large pair with wrap style, perfect for extra protection around the eyes. Outdoors, always use sunglasses that tote UV protective coating to help block UVA & UVB rays.

• Indoor Protection for Your Eyes – Individuals who tan indoors not only risk sun damage, aging and skin cancer, but without eye protection, they also risk eye damage, including retinal burns, and cataracts. Indoor tanners should always wear protective goggles. Sunglasses or towels will not offer enough protection from indoor equipment.