Spring is quickly heating up, and the kids will be out of school soon for the summer. Before you head off to the beach for vacation, it is important to know that those sun rays you are seeking can cause permanent damage to your skin. Some of that damage won’t appear for many years. Especially important to know, is that the sun’s rays can cause skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three main types of skin cancer, with melanoma being the most dangerous. Isn’t it good to know that you can protect your skin easily by using a sunscreen, moisturizer, or makeup that has an SPF factor in it?
Not all lotions or makeups are created equal. Some do not have an SPF. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Here is some more information about SPF that I found online:
SPF measures a sunscreen’s effect against UVB rays and the amount of time you can be in the sun before burning. If, for example, you burn after ten minutes of sun exposure without any cream, an SPF of 15 will allow you to stay in the sun for up to 150 minutes without burning. SPF 75 means you have stronger protection for a longer period of time. So higher SPF means the sunscreen has higher protection, and that you can stay out in the sun for a proportionately longer time without burning. Remember, though, skin damage from sunlight builds up with continued exposure, regardless of whether or not sunburn occurs.
To be sure your skin is protected from sun’s rays, be sure to check the label on any sun screen, suntan lotion, moisturizer, or makeup that you buy. A little protection now can save you lots of worry and stress years from now.
Some other ways to protect your skin this summer: Wear a hat. Rent an umbrella and sit under it at the beach. Wear long sleeved garments. Go to the beach at night. Don’t be fooled by winter sun exposure. No matter what time of year, the sun’s rays will still damage your skin. If you will be outside in the sunshine for any length of time in Fall, Winter, and Spring, you’ll need to follow the same skin protection routine you have established for yourself for summer.
Have fun outdoors no matter what the season, but take care of your skin, and your future health, by taking a few extra seconds to apply a sunscreen with a higher SPF. Your skin will thank you!
Leave a Reply