SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE, and that means longer days and more time in the sun. But as you enjoy the season, don’t forget to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful effects. Adding a few basic sun safety habits to your daily routine can save your skin not only from short-term damage such as sunburn, but also from long-term damage such as wrinkles and cancer. With just a few simple steps, you can look forward to a healthy, happy summer.

Use a Sunscreen
Before you head outside for the day, apply a sunscreen.

To use it most effectively:

• Use one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Apply it on sunny and cloudy days.
• Don’t skimp when applying sunscreen. The average woman should use 1 oz. (the equivalent of a shot glass); the average man, 2 oz. For optimum protection, apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors to allow your skin time to absorb it.
• Reapply sunscreen every one or two hours and after swimming or exercising.

Be Proactive

• Watch the clock. During the middle of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun’s rays are the strongest. Try to plan activities in the shade or indoors during those hours.
• Cover up with lightweight clothing while exercising to further protect your skin.
• Wear sunglasses that shield your eyes from 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.
• Avoid the sun if you take any medications that make your skin more sensitive to it. They include tetracycline, sulfa drugs, thiazide diuretics, retin-A and indomethacin.
• Avoid tanning beds; they’re not safe alternatives to the sun because they emit concentrated UV-A and UV-B rays.

Sunburn Savvy
If you have a sunburn, stay out of the sun until your skin recovers. Sunburn usually is uncomfortable for 24 to 48 hours.

• To treat sunburn, soak the affected area in cold water (not ice water) or apply cold compresses for 15 minutes once an hour. This will reduce swelling and provide quick pain relief. Don’t apply greasy lotions, such as baby oil or ointment, to sunburned areas. They can make the burn worse by sealing in the heat.
• Soak in a cool bath if sunburn affects large areas of your body. A half-cup of cornstarch, oatmeal or baking soda in the bath will help reduce inflammation and soothe sunburned skin. Adults can take aspirin to reduce inflammation.

For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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