Too much sun exposure can cause sunburn, premature skin aging, skin cancer, cataracts, and heat stroke.Take the right precautions and enjoy the sunshine in a safer way.
Step 1: An appropriate SPF level should be chosen.
The SPF number does not mean how strong the SPF is.It tells you how long it will protect you from UVB rays.It is calculated by the number of minutes it would take for your skin to burn and theSPF value that tells you how long it should last.SPF 30 will keep you protected for 150 minutes if you burn in 5 minutes of sun exposure.SPF 30 or higher is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.It is not recommended to use higher SPF formulas because they give a false sense of security in the sun and a higher dose of chemicals on your skin.Experts now say that sunscreen with values above SPF 50 does not provide any more protection than sunscreen values below.
Step 2: Look for the sun's rays.
UVB rays cause sunburn.UVA rays can cause skin damage, like wrinkling or spots.The risk of skin cancer is increased by both types of UV light.Broad spectrum protection means that the sunblock will protect against both types of damaging ultraviolet light.SPF refers to the sunscreen's ability to block UVB rays.The ability to block both is referred to as the Broad spectrum label.
Step 3: Look at what's in the food.
There are some chemicals that are allergens, potential hormones, or just plain unnecessary.The inactive ingredient in sunscreens is retinoids.According to Canadian studies, these add-ons can increase your sensitivity to the sun's UV light.It is believed to be a hormone disruptor.It can mimic estrogen in the body and has been shown to alter sperm production in males.Octinoxate is thought to be a hormone disruptor.Octinoxate has been shown to affect the reproductive system in laboratory studies.It can cause a reaction on some users' skin.Homosalate may be toxic when broken down inside the body.Some users have a high rate of reported skin allergies.Preservatives are used in sunscreen.Allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and toxicity are believed to be linked to butyl, ethyl-, methyl- and propyl-parabens.You should look for a sunscreen.PABA was used in sunscreens for a long time, but it can cause an allergic reaction in some people, and has been linked to severe liver toxicity at high doses.Don't use sunscreens with added insect repellence.The toxicity of chemicals in an insect repellent can be increased by adding sunscreen.Experts recommend that you use two separate products: an effective sunscreen and a safe insect repellent.
Step 4: If you're going to be swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen.
According to package instructions, you should reapply the sunscreen frequently because it is not waterproof.The way water resistance is labeled on sunscreen in the United States has changed.There are two categories for water resistance, 40-minute protection or 80 minute protection.
Step 5: You can choose a form that protects you from the sun.
Try different sunscreen brands and styles to find the one that is best for you.Some sunscreens aren't as bad as others.Some sunscreens come in different formats.Experts warn that spray-on and powdered sunscreens may cause lung irritation due to the risk of inhaling the chemical contents.Liquid-based sunscreen is more effective at protecting your skin than these formats.For hairy areas, spray sunscreens may be helpful.People with oily skin may benefit from alcohol or gel-based sunscreens.Many daily moisturizers have sunscreen protection.If you are using both a sunscreen and a moisturizer, you should add the sunscreen first.This helps protect and maximize absorption.
Step 6: sunscreen appropriate for children
Mineral-based UV filters like zinc and titanium are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in children and people with sensitive skin.Children older than 6 months are fine with most sunscreens.Babies under 6 months of age should not be exposed to sunscreen.Shade is the best preventative measure according to experts.If you must use sunscreen on a baby under 6 months of age, make sure to consult with your child's doctor.It is a good idea to spot test any sunscreen on children.Make sure your child doesn't have an unpleasant reaction to a tiny amount of sunscreen before applying it all over, because children's skin is more sensitive and likely to react to sunscreen.
Step 7: You should check the date.
It is required that sunscreen remain effective for at least 3 years after it is manufactured.You should always keep an eye on the expiration dates to make sure you get the best protection.Write the date of purchase on the label if the bottle doesn't have an expired date.It is a good idea to know when it is time to buy a new product.
Step 8: Before you head outside, apply sunscreen.
It takes about 30 minutes for the sunscreen to bind to your skin.30 minutes before you are exposed to the sun, apply sunscreen.Don't forget your lips!Before you go outside, apply a lip balm.
Step 9: You should apply the sunscreen generously.
If you're using a cream, the amount of sunscreen you should use is about the size of a golf ball, or 1 ounce.You should use more than you think you need.Between a quarter and half of an 8-ounce bottle should be used during an extended beach outing.The entire face and forehead, the nose and tips of your ears, as well as the back of the neck, knees and hands, should be covered.If you're wearing sandals, make sure your feet are not sunburned.Any skin exposed to the sun should be covered.Do not grease it on.Rub it in.When you have a deep, penetrating layer of sunscreen, do it again and again.It will protect you from the sun if you do it right.A friend can help with hard-to-reach spots.
Step 10: Re apply sunscreen frequently.
Sweating and swimming are conditions that should be taken into account.As sweat or water washes away the sunscreen you've applied, you will usually need to reapply more quickly than the quoted SPF value would indicate.
Step 11: Put on a cover.
Light layers of clothing are best.Try a shell or tank top, and then wear a light long-sleeved camp shirt open over that.Long pants offer more protection than shorts.Cotton is a cool natural fiber.Dark clothing has more sun protection than light clothing.A white t-shirt doesn't offer much sun protection.If you are wearing light, loose-woven clothes, apply sunblock under your clothes.A long-sleeved swim shirt can help you avoid burning while swimming.
Step 12: Choose clothing that protects against the sun's harmful rays.
A label indicating the UV protection level of the clothing will be found in a lot of outdoor activity stores.
Step 13: Don't wear a wrong hat.
Pick a hat that has at least a 3-inch (8 cm) brim.Baseball caps leave the ears and neck exposed, so they're not the best choice for sun protection.A hat protects your eyes from glare.Children should wear sun hats as well.There are hats that shade the face and neck.
Step 14: Wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Wrap sunglasses around to block light from the sides.Cataracts can be caused by long term exposure to the sun's UV light.To maximize your eye protection, wear sunglasses and a hat.If you don't know if your old sunglasses block UV rays, you should have them checked.
Step 15: Don't forget to stay hydrated.
Water is the best choice for hydration.The experts recommend that males consume 13 cups of fluids a day and females consume 9 cups.If you are doing moderate activity in the heat, experts recommend that you drink 1 cup of water every 15-20 minutes.Water is usually more hydrating than sports drinks, according to experts.Most sports drinks have high levels of sugar and salt.Sugar has a lot of calories and salt can cause dehydration.If you are worried about your electrolyte levels, grab a few pretzels or nuts.
Step 16: It's a good idea to avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Both can cause dehydration, and are best avoided.The occasional cold soda is unlikely to cause dehydration, but it is best to stick to water for hydration purposes.Alcohol can increase response time.Up to 70% of deaths in adults and teens that occur during water recreational activities are linked to alcohol.You should drink at least twice as much water as alcohol if you have summer beer.
Step 17: Even if you're not thirsty, drink water.
It's important to drink water throughout the day because thirst occurs in the human body after dehydration has already occurred.
Step 18: Babies get dehydrated as well.
If you have an infant, make sure he or she is well hydrated by giving him or her at least the usual amount of breast milk or formula.Check with your doctor to see if your baby can have small amounts of water, juice, or infant oral electrolyte solution such as Pedialyte or Enfalyte in addition to formula or breast milk.Babies are at greater risk of becoming overheated and dehydrated because they don't sweat the same as adults.Make sure your child is safe and comfortable by keeping an eye on him.
Step 19: Check the UV index.
The risk of damage caused by UV exposure is assessed by the National Weather Service.It's a good idea to know what the index predicts for that day.
Step 20: Don't go out in the sun.
During the peak hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV is at its highest when the sun is overhead.Stay in the shade if you are outside.Even on overcast days, shade will help protect you from sunburn.You can create your own shade.Carrying an umbrella or parasol and using it to keep off the sun is a very good way of keeping you safe, as well as using a hat.If you want to do a lot of physical activity outside, you should do it in the morning or evening.If you have to work midday, take plenty of breaks and drink at least 1 cup of water every 15-20 minutes.The cool parts of the day are when babies and children are walking outside.Ensure that children are adequately covered with clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen when out in the heat of the day by using a shade canopy over a baby's stroller.
Step 21: Your shadow should be observed.
The angle of the sun is related to the UV intensity.You may want to retreat into the shade if you are casting a short shadow.
Step 22: Cool off if you get overheated.
Spending too much time in the sun can cause heat exhaustion.Put a towel on your neck or forehead to cool you down.Take a swim.Submerging your body in cool water can help lower your temperature, but don't let it drop too low.Hypothermia can occur if your body temperature drops below 95 F.It is possible to avoid swings in body temperature by knowing the water temperature and air temperature forecasts.
Step 23: While driving, be careful of the sun's rays.
If you want to hang your arm out the window, run the air conditioning instead of rolling up the windows.You should still apply sunscreen to yourself and any passengers despite the fact that glass blocks UV light.If you are lucky enough to drive a convertible, make sure to apply sunscreen and wear a protective hat.
Step 24: Know the signs of heat exhaustion.
If you experience any of these symptoms, get out of the sun and drink plenty of fluids: skin that is hot to the touch excessive sweating dizziness or fatigue nausea or vomiting rapid heartbeat dark and/or infrequent urination