LIVING WELL

Sun Safety Tips

With summertime in full swing, people are taking to the outdoors again after their pandemic hibernation. Camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking — the outdoor activities are endless! Before you bask in summer fun, be sure to protect yourself from the summer sun. We compiled important information about sunscreen from the Food and Drug Administration and The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) that every summer dweller should know before stepping outside.

There are two kinds of sunscreens: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens use minerals that sit on top of skin and reflects the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients that absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation and reduce how much penetrates the skin.

Other sun safety tips:

Wear protective clothing (hats, sunglasses, lightweight pants).

Seek shade often.

Avoid exposure when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest, usually between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wear sunscreen on cloudy days, too.

To find out which sunscreen is best for your skin, talk to a board-certified dermatologist or visit AAD. org/Public > Everyday Care > Sun Protection > Sunscreen Resource Center.

Discard expired sunscreens. If there is no expiration date, only use sunscreen that was purchased in the past three years and was stored somewhere cool, dark and dry. Always opt for broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) value of 15 or higher. As SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases.

Sunscreens are not recommended for infants under six months.

Apply sunscreen at least every two hours when you’re outside or after sweating, swimming and toweling off.