A little late on this topic but perfect timing depending on how you look at it ; ) May is Skin Cancer Awareness month and as we wrap up spring and move into the heat of the summer it's a perfect segue.
I am not going to lecture but education is key here, sun protection can be confusing and most of us don't care to learn the science behind it. So I will break it down quickly and easily into the most important things you need to know. A few tips and pointers below for Sun Safety:
*Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
*Don’t get sunburned.
*Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds.
*Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
*Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
*Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
*Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
*Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
*See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.
For those worried about sun screen and its effects on our environment, there are plenty of SPFs that are reef friendly.
Avoid Avo and Oxy-benzone ingredients stick with Zinc and Titanium Dioxide.
If your in the mood for knowledge check out www.skincancer.org it is a wonderful website chock full of information, tips, tricks, skin cancer survivor stories, anti aging tips, you name it it has it!
