Ways to save your own skin

It’s important that we all get some sun exposure to provide vitamin D, which helps in the absorption of calcium for stronger and healthier bones, but you need to use good common sense. Unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to your skin, eyes, and immune system, and can also cause cancer. Studies have shown that Skin cancer is increasing at a dramatic rate, particularly among persons in their 20s. In fact, most children receive between 50 and 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before they reach the age of 18.

Protect yourself against the sun's harmful rays…
The best means of protecting yourself against the damaging effects of the sun is by limiting exposure and protecting the skin. An excellent way to prevent sunburn in children over 6 months of age is to follow the A, B, Cs recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology:

Away– Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day. This is when the sun's rays are the most damaging.

Block– Block the sun's rays using a SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. Apply the lotion 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it often during the day. Sunscreens should not be used on infants under 6 months of age.

Cover-up– Cover up using protective clothing, such as a long sleeve shirt and hat when in the sun. Use clothing with a tight weave to keep out as much sunlight as possible. Keep babies younger than 6 months old out of direct sunlight at all times. Hats with brims are important.

Remember, sand and pavement reflect UV rays even while under an umbrella. Reflective surfaces can reflect up to 85 percent of the damaging sun rays. Also, take special care to purchase protective eye wear for you and your children. Purchase sunglasses with labels ensuring they provide UV protection.

Use sunscreens.
Sunscreens protect the skin against sunburns and play an important role in blocking the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, no sunscreen blocks UV radiation 100 percent. Terms used on sunscreen labels can be confusing. The protection provided by a sunscreen is indicated by the sun protection factor (SPF) listed on the product label. A product with an SPF higher than 15 is called a sunblock.

Is there a right or wrong way to use a sunscreen?
The answer is yes. A sunscreen protects from sunburn and minimizes suntan by absorbing UV rays. Using sunscreens correctly is important in protecting the skin.

Consider the following recommendations:

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
• Apply sunscreens to all exposed areas of skin, including those easily overlooked areas.
• Use sunscreens for all children over 6 months of age, regardless of skin or complexion type, because all skin types need protection from UV rays.
• Apply sunscreens 30 minutes before going out into the sun to give it time to work. Use it liberally and reapply it every two hours after being in the water or after exercising or sweating.
• Use a waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen.
• Use of a sunscreen with SPF of 20 to 30 offers substantial protection from sunburn and prevents tanning. High SPF sunscreens protect from burning for longer periods of time than do sunscreens with lower a SPF.
• Teach your teenager to avoid tanning beds and salons. Most tanning beds and salons use ultraviolet-A bulbs. Research has shown that UVA rays may contribute to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.

Enjoy the sun in a healthy way this summer!