Atlantic Star Safety

Sun Safety

Okay, you've heard it over and over and over--wear sunscreen! Here's why....

More than Burn Prevention

The most important rules of sun safety is to wear sunscreen. Most of us consider it a bit of a nuisance. After all, it interferes with us getting that attractive tan that keeps us from looking so pasty! However, wearing sunscreen not only protects you from a sunburn. Each time you get a sunburn, you are one step closer to getting skin cancer and a host of other problems that are the result of a lack of sun safety. The most obvious problems is skin cancer, but sun exposure can also lead to wrinkles, eye damage and temporary immune system suppression. (Betcha didn't know about that last one, did you?)

Most people apply sunscreen before they go to the beach or to the pool. But the truth is, if you're going to be outside for any extended period of time, no matter what the activity, you need to wear sunscreen. Even if you're kids are just going out to play, make sure you slather a broad-spectrum sunscreen on them first. For optimal sun safety, make sure the sunscreen is applied 30 minutes before going outside. In addition, reapply the sunscreen after sweating or swimming. Here are some more sun safety tips:

Try not to go outside when the sun's rays are at their strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to add extra protection for your face and eyes
If the temperatures allow for it, wear long sleeves and pants, both with a tight weave so the sun's rays can't get through
Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection
Stay in the shade as much as possible
Stay away from reflective surfaces like snow and water
Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 15 and is a broad-spectrum product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
Use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.

Hopefully our sun safety tips will help you have a sun-safe summer!