We’ve all heard that the suns rays are harmful. Excess of
exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause painful sunburn, premature wrinkles,
allergic skin reactions, and skin cancer. These rays can cause skin damage to
make your body more vulnerable to infection and disease.
Protecting your skin as an important part of staying healthy, but what is the
best way to go about it? The
information below sheds some light of how to be sun safe.
Sun screens play a big role in reducing the sun's harmful
effects. To help consumers decide which sunscreen is best, these products are
classified according to the sun protection factor, (SPF). The S PF rating
reflects a products ability to screen or block sun rays and prevent sunburn
relative to unprotected skin. For example, if a sun screen rated SPF 8 is used
by a fair skinned person whose skin normally turns red after 10 minutes in the
sun , it would take the person 8 times longer to burn (or an hour and 20
minutes).
Sunscreen should be used every time you are in the sun
more than 20 minutes, but not just the warm and sunny days. Sunlight
reflects powerfully off surfaces such as snow , water, and light colored sand.
Even when the sky is over cast, 80%
of the sun's rays
pass through the clouds.
Here
are some tips for using sunscreen's properly:
1.Apply sun's cream to dry skin 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors.
2. Pay particular attention to the
face, hands, arms, and feet.
3. Coat the skin liberally and
thoroughly. Missing a spot can lead to patchy sunburn areas.
4. Replace sunscreen every two
hours, after swimming, or after perspiring heavily, even if the sun's screen is
waterproof. (most water proof products lose their effectiveness after 80 minutes
in the water, and they also can be wiped off with your towel.)
5. Be sure to check the
sunscreen’s expiration date regularly. The typical shelf life is 3 years.
However, exposure to extreme temperatures can shorten the life of the product.
6.
Don't forget your lips. Always wear a lip balm that contains a sun screen,
preferably one with an SPF of 15 or higher.
What To Wear
Sunscreens should not the your only protection. Clothing
counts too. In the sun, wear loose fitting, long sleeve shirts, and long pants
made from tightly woven fabric whenever possible. Certain materials, such as an
unbleached cotton and silk, are good choices because they absorb or reflect sun
light effectively. Darker colors may protect better then lighter colors . In
addition, keep in mind that wetterr is not better. Most clothing loses 1/3 of
the SPF value when it's wet.
In recent years, clothing with greater UV protection and has been developed to
protect people with especially sensitive skin or have had skin cancer. This high
tech apparel is made with compounds that can absorb light and provide SPF rating
of 30 or higher.
To keep your head and face safe in the sun, leave your hat on . For best
results, choose one with a wide rim that shields your face, ears, and the back
of your neck.
Finally, remember to keep sun glasses handy when you stepp outside. They reduce
the risk of cataracts and shield the skin around her eyes. The most effective
shades block 99% or 100% of all UV light. Wrap around sun glasses are ideal
because they prevent the rays from entering your eyes from the side.
Other sun's safety tips include avoiding exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest . Whenever possible, scheduled outdoor activities before or after this peak time. Remember that any unprotected time in the sun can add up to long term sun damage. Before you walk the dog, work in the back yard, or have a sunny day picnic lunch, have time to protect your skin. Practice the shadow rule: Head for the shade when your shadow and shorter than you are tall .