July is UV Safety Awareness Month- as the summer days grow hotter, it’s the perfect time to spend time outside in the sun. However, prolonged sun exposure can have detrimental effects on your health, especially without protection. The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, which are known to damage your eyes, affect your skin health, speed up aging, and even cause cancer. Here are some ways to keep your family safe from UV exposure, all while enjoying your summer.
Cover up!
Although it sounds counterintuitive, wearing longer clothing in the summer is the best way to protect you from UV emissions. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your skin without clinging to it, such as skirts or flowy pants- this way you can keep cool without exposing your skin to the sun. Hats are another way to keep the sun off your face while protecting your scalp (which is affected by UV rays too!). Athletic wear is also great for wicking off sweat and staying cool.
Stay in the Shade
The best way to prevent UV exposure is to avoid it in the first place. If covering up isn’t an option, say at the beach, shade can help you stay cool and keep your skin from roasting in sun. Bring umbrellas and tents to your outdoor excursions and choose to set up in shady areas such as under trees. Hats are also a great way to protect your face from the sun and keep and provide shade. Sunglasses can protect your eyes, which can also get damaged from prolonged UV exposure.
Bring on the Sunscreen
If you can’t avoid prolonged sun exposure, the next best way to protect your skin from UV radiation is by wearing sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens absorb UVA/UVB rays, preventing your skin from doing so. This helps prevent sunburn, which increases your risk of skin cancer each time. Be sure to put a liberal amount of sunscreen on any area of exposed skin; the higher the SPF, the longer you’ll have protection from the sun. Not sure when to reapply? Set a timer or use a sunscreen sticker that changes color to indicate that your sunscreen has worn off. Remember to apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before you head outside.
If You Get Sunburn…
It’s inevitable that mistakes happen, and you can end up sunburnt. Although individual cases of sunburn can be mild, it’s best to treat them as soon as possible to avoid discomfort. If you find that you have been sunburned, be sure to apply aloe vera gel to soothe the burn and help promote healing. Allow your skin to shed off on its own; peeling the skin off yourself can increase the chances of infection, but you can cut the excess off using scissors. If your sunburn is severe, be sure to see a medical professional right away.
Summer is full of activities and festivals that you and the whole family can enjoy. While you’re out and about, follow these steps to ensure that you and your family can have fun and be safe at the same time. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of their lifetime. A common misconception is that those with darker skin don’t need to take UV preventative measures; this is untrue- anyone can develop melanoma from prolonged UV radiation. Protect yourself and your family from UV exposure and keep your skin young and healthy.
If you or anyone you know needs care, please visit our website for information or contact us at (732)-964-0062.
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