Sunscreen is the key to a safe summer!

Summer is upon us! And that means time to find the sunscreen.

For those of us in the Midwest summer is about taking advantage of the long sunny days.  

1. Infants between 0 and 6 months should not be exposed to the sun at all. They should always be covered from the strong rays of the sun, as their extra sensitive skin cannot yet handle most sunscreens and does not have sufficient melanin to provide protection to them naturally

2. Always wear sunscreen! A sunscreen of SPF 30 or above should always be applied at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun or into the water. When beach or poolside, sunscreen needs to be applied every 2 hours, even when the sunscreen is said to be waterproof. With water and sweat, some sunscreen will still be lost over time, and needs to be reapplied in order to provide effective protection. A sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium oxide is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, and can easily be found alongside other sunscreens in store.

3. Extra sensitive areas, and thus those more prone to sun burn, are the nose, cheeks, ears, shoulders and the tops of feet when out at the beach without footwear. These areas should have sunblock reapplied often and with a high SPF protection.

4. The top of little heads are often forgotten. The skin may be covered by some hair, but those harmful rays can skill cause sun burns to our scalps. It is important to remember to always wear a hat when outside playing or swimming in the sun. You can take extra precaution by selecting a wide brimmed hat and a hat made of a special fabric that is said to block a high percentage of UV rays.

5. Be aware of the UV index, which provides an indication of how strong the suns rays are. This information can easily be found for your location on the internet, using an app for a smart phone and by avoiding peak times outdoors. The UV index is highest around midday, between 11 am and 2 pm, take extra precaution be avoiding the direct sun between 10 am and 4 pm.

6. UVA and UVB radiation from the sun can both damage vision in the long run, and lead to headaches and be bothersome in the short run. It is important for everyone to wear the proper eyewear to protect our eyes by choosing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

By following these simple tips, your family’s skin from the negative effects of UVA and UVB rays, and decrease the risk of burns and melanomas. Enjoy the sun safely!