Using sunscreen

Sumer is almost here and people want to be outside. Summer can be fun however you have to avoid the consequences of over exposure to the sun.  Getting overexposed to the sun can result in the following:

• sunburns
• premature aging of the skin
• wrinkling of the skin
• skin cancer

The hours between 10 am and 4 pm are the most harzadous to  the exposure of UV rays. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays.

The Do’s of sunscreen

• choose  a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher  and both UVA and UVB protection. This is also called broad spectrum protection
• apply sunscreen on dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors
• sunscreen wears off. Reapply every two hours after being outside and after you swim or do things  that make you sweat
• apply sunscreen generously to all areas of the skin not covered by clothing. One ounce enough to fill a shot glass is the amount dermatologists  recommend is enough to cover exposed areas of the skin
• apply sunscreen everytime you go outside
• if your  child has sensitive skin, use sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  These products maintain their protection without being absorbed by the skin and therefore cause less irritation.

The Don’ts of sunscreen

• dont use a sunscreen that has passed it’s expiration date. Sunscreen with no expiration date has a shelf life of no more than 3 years. It’s shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures
• dont use products that combine sunscreen and bug repellant. You need to apply sunscreen all the time but may not need to apply bug repellant as often. Excess bug repellant can cause toxic exposure
• dont choose sunscreen  with retinyl palmitate, especially if you are pregnant. This type of vitamin A has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and is associated with birth defects.