So Don't Burn...
While you may think it is impossible, avoiding the sun's damaging rays is easier than ever, especially with a little preparation. Here are some ways to do so:
Avoid getting sunburn on sensitive areas - lips, scalp, face and neck - by wearing protective lip balm, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Even your eyes can be damaged by the sun. Kids can wear sunglasses, too! Look for shatter-resistant lenses that block UVA and UVB rays.
Stay and play in the shade whenever possible.
Don't rely on a T-shirt to keep the sun off your skin. A dry T-shirt alone only provides protection equal to a sunscreen with an SPF of 8. If kids swim with the T-shirt on, the wet shirt drops down to a protection level of SPF 4. (The shirts woven fibers allow sunlight to pass through it.) Therefore, put sunscreen all over your body, even if wearing a T-shirt.
Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., when its rays are strongest.
Put sunscreen on, even when it is cloudy out, since the sun's rays can pierce through the clouds unknowingly, causing a sunburn even when you think you won't get one.
HERE COMES THE SUN: SUNBURN PREVENTION
Being outside in the hot, sunny weather is fun - who doesn't love summer vacation! But, when you're outdoors, even for short periods of time, the sun can be very damaging to your skin. This is especially true during the
summer months when the sun's rays are the strongest - and most damaging. So, even if the sun feels good, it's really bad for your skin and can cause cancer or lead to wrinkles when you get older.
Being suntan isn't so smart, and starting from when you're little, you have to protect yourself from the sun. Wearing proper sun protection, including waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, will help prevent serious sunburn*. This means every time you're outdoors - even when swimming or if it's a cloudy day!
*IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PARENTS!!
Small children may require a higher level of SPF, since their skin is even more sensitive to the sun's rays. Blistering sunburns during childhood have been linked to skin cancer in adulthood. Severe sunburn with blistering should be brought to the attention of a physician.
Sunburned skin will often be painful. Eventually, it will start to peel and itch. If you find yourself with a case of sunburn, try using a topical anesthetic spray for the pain and itch, such as Lanacane® Maximum Strength First Aid Spray. The spray eliminates the need to touch the sensitive, damaged skin, while the added antibacterial helps prevent any infection from developing and the aloe soothes the skin.
