Sunburn Prevention Tips
Landscaping, spending a day at the beach with the kids, and working on a roof are just a few of the activities we may participate in
each summer. Spending a significant amount of time in the sun can lead to sunburn and dehydration. Sunburn is not only painful and
irritating - it can also lead to peeling of the skin, blistering, and in worst cases, cancer. Preventing sunburn is actually easy and only takes a few minutes.
Here are a few tips to follow for preventing sunburn:
• Don’t forget the sun tan lotion - Sun tan lotion ranges from a sun protection factor (SPF) of two to 50+. The higher the SPF, the
Sun tan lotion ranges from a sun protection factor (SPF) of two to 50+. The higher the SPF, the
better protection your skin will have from ultraviolet light. We recommend applying at least 15 SPF every 2 hours you spend in the sun. Re-apply more frequently if you are swimming or sweating a lot in the sun. Always remember, the more sun tan lotion you apply, the better the protection.
• Apply lip balm with sunscreen - Often times, we forget to apply any protection on our lips because sun tan lotion can’t be used on them. Lip balm comes with a SPF as high as 50+ as well.
- Often times, we forget to apply any protection on our lips because sun tan lotion can’t be used on them. Lip balm comes with a SPF as high as 50+ as well.
• Wear a hat - A hat not only protects your head from sunburn, it will also assist in blocking ultraviolet light from coming into contact with your nose, eyes, lips, and face.
- A hat not only protects your head from sunburn, it will also assist in blocking ultraviolet light from coming into contact with your nose, eyes, lips, and face.
• If you are at the beach, bring a beach umbrella along - A beach umbrella is a great place for children to play underneath and to take a break from the blistering sun. Beach umbrellas are available with coverings that block a certain amount of ultraviolet light. Make sure your umbrella has a covering rated for at least 15 SPF.
- A beach umbrella is a great place for children to play underneath and to take a break from the blistering sun. Beach umbrellas are available with coverings that block a certain amount of ultraviolet light. Make sure your umbrella has a covering rated for at least 15 SPF.
• Sunglasses will protect your eyes - Purchase sunglasses with an ultraviolet coating to afford the best protection for your eyes.
- Purchase sunglasses with an ultraviolet coating to afford the best protection for your eyes.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to corneal damage and cataract development at an earlier age.
• Cotton shirts will provide some protection from the sun - If you are not concerned with getting a tan, wear a loose fitting cotton shirt. The shirt will provide protection for your chest, shoulders, and back.
- If you are not concerned with getting a tan, wear a loose fitting cotton shirt. The shirt will provide protection for your chest, shoulders, and back.
Sunburn does happen, and it is important you know what to do in these unfavorable situations. Applying a mixture of water and milk, or aloe vera, will sooth the pain. Taking ibuprofen or aspirin can help ease the pain as well. If you or someone you know is suffering from severe sunburn, have them see medical attention as soon as possible. Typical symptoms of severe sunburn include blisters, fevers, or nausea. Prolonged chronic exposure to the sun can lead to the development of moles that can be cancerous. If you find new moles developing on your skin, contact your physician.