Be careful - practice sun safety

As we are now able to get outdoors more, it is important not to forget our old habits. Anytime you are out in the sun for longer than 15 minutes, it is important to use some form of protection from the sun. This is true no matter what your skin color is. It is a common misconception that people with dark skin can’t get sunburned. While those with dark skin are naturally better protected from the sun than someone with very pale skin, anyone can get sunburn and skin cancer. A person with dark black or brown skin has the equivalent protection of a person with pale white skin wearing SPF 15 sunscreen. Try these tips to protect yourself the next time you are outdoors. Ways to protect yourself from the sun: Protective Clothing: Exposing less skin is the best way to avoid damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Wearing long sleeves and pants provide the best protection from the sun. If it is too warm to dress in longer clothes, it is important to use another type of protection from the sun. Dark colors provide better protection than light colored clothing and clothing that is loosely woven or see-through does not provide much sun protection. Hats and sunglasses are also helpful for shielding the sun. Hats with brims can protect the exposed skin of the face and neck. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun since they too can be harmed by the sun’s rays. Shade: This one may sound obvious, but staying in the shade when possible does more to protect you than any sunscreen can. Intentionally exposing yourself to the sun to get a tan is one of the worst things you can do for your skin health. Sunscreen: Sunscreen works by reflecting or absorbing the sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. Sunscreen products are rated by how well they protect from the sun. A product with a higher sun protection factor (SPF) provides better protection. You should wear broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 any time you are outdoors, even if it is cool or partly cloudy. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after any swimming or sweating. Checking the expiration date on sunscreen is important too since most products last three years or less and can be damaged by high heat. Why protect yourself from the sun? The UV rays from the sun cause damage to your body’s skin cells. This can eventually lead to faster aging and skin cancer after years of sun exposure. A tan and sunburn are your body’s natural response to damage from the sun. This means that there is no such thing as a safe “base tan.” Any time your skin tans, it is damaged by the sun. Avoiding the pain from sunburn shouldn’t be the only reason to protect yourself from the sun.