Roll Out Those Lazy, Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

The lyrics from that old Nat “King” Cole song remind us that we wish that summer would always be here. The warm weather, vacations, the beach - There are all sorts of great memories associated with this time of year. And then there are the nightmares – sunburn, wrinkles, and the worst one of all - skin cancer.

Perhaps we’ve suffered from a painful sunburn at one time or another, and we’ve all known sun worshipers who now looked like tanned leather because they didn’t take care of their skin. We’ve heard horror stories about skin cancers. So in the past few years we’ve all become savvier about skin care and over-exposure to the sun. Now before going outdoors, many people realize the need to wear sun screen. What they don’t know is that just putting on some cream isn’t enough.

All Sun Screens Were Not Created Equal

Ever wonder why there are so many different types of sun screen? What do those numbers mean, anyway? If all of the packaging has you confused, you aren’t alone. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can not only penetrate the earth’s atmosphere, but they can also penetrate the skin’s surface as well. To protect your skin from burning you should use a product with a SPF (sun protection factor) that is suited to your skin type - the higher the SPF number, the greater protection. The three categories are:

·           2 to 12 minimal sunburn protection

·           12 to 30  moderate sunburn protection

·           Above 30 high sunburn protection

Other Ways to Protect your Skin

While using sun screen is essential there are other methods to protect your skin. Wearing a hat to cover your head to prevent scalp burn is just one other way to take care of yourself. Other protective clothing such a long sleeved shirts and long pants can be beneficial to those individuals who are super sensitive.

Don’t Let the Warning Scare You Off

While there are definitely health hazards to over-exposure to the sun, don’t let these factors keep you away from soaking up the rays. The benefits of being outdoors are enormous. The sun is a source for vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium. There are also mental health benefits too. Some people experience “winter blues” or seasonal affective disorder when the sun doesn’t shine. Just getting out in the sunshine for ten to fifteen minutes several times a week can produce tremendous results.

Know When to Sunbathe

With sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding the middle of the day, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest, you can be perfectly safe in the sun. Keeping this in mind go out and become a sun lover – and rejoice “that summer is finally here”!

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