JULY IS UV SAFETY MONTH

JULY IS UV SAFETY MONTH

Since July is UV Safety month, we want to remind you how important it is to wear sunscreen when you are out and about.

Use sunscreen even on a cloudy day!  Even though it is cloudy outside, 80% of harmful UV Rays can pierce through the clouds and damage the skin.  In addition, the cooling effect of the clouds can also lull you into staying outside longer than you normally would.  Use your sunscreen ANY time you plan to spend time outside.  Don’t forget that snow, sand, and water increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun’s rays.

Choose a Broad Spectrum sunscreen.  When a sunscreen is labelled Broad Spectrum, it means it protects for both UVA and UVB (Ultraviolet A and B Rays).  It is important to protect yourself not only from the harmful UVB rays that cause the sunburn, but also from the UVA rays that cause premature aging (wrinkles & age spots).

No sunscreen is Waterproof or Sweat Proof.  It is recommended to always choose a sunscreen that is water resistant but be mindful that there is no sunscreen product that is truly waterproof or sweat proof.  Manufacturers are no longer allowed to advertise sunscreens as waterproof or sweat proof. Instead, products are now labeled either Water Resistant (Effective for up to 40 minutes in water) or Very Water Resistant (Effective for up to 80 minutes in water)

Use enough sunscreen.  Typically, we only use 25-50% of the amount of sunscreen we need to be protected and often neglect entire areas of our bodies. When too little sunscreen is applied, it reduces the sun protection factor significantly, e.g. SPF30 may only work as SPF10.  The AmericanAcademy of Dermatology recommends using about 1 ounce of sunscreen - or enough to fill a shot glass - to fully cover an adult body.   It is important to use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF (50 SPF if you are in Australia) and to apply at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.  The AAD also recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours, after getting out of the water, and after sweating.  Also apply to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head.  (There is even a special sunscreen just for the scalp)  Always use a lip balm that has an SPF.

Remember, diligent use of sunscreen can slow or temporarily prevent the development of wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin.  And please throw away that expired sunscreen.