1 It's summertime, the days are longer and warmer and, naturally, we are outside more often. It's a good time to consider summer safety tips.
2 During the summer, the sun shines more directly on our part of the earth. The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays which are the cause of sunburns. UV light is invisible to the human eye and is scattered through the atmosphere. Staying in the shade or being outside on a cloudy day doesn't eliminate our exposure to UV rays; they find us wherever we are.
3 There are many ways to protect ourselves from damage to our skin. Applying a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher on exposed skin is one of the best ways to guard ourselves. There are many types of sunscreens available, and the SPF ranges from 2 to 45. Some come in fun colors that disappear after application, while others are available in spray bottles for ease of application. When applying sunscreen, be sure to spread it evenly over your skin, paying close attention to your nose, ears, and neck. This is when those fun colors can come in handy, as these areas are easily missed. Sunscreen should be reapplied after prolonged swimming or activity to maintain its effectiveness. And don't forget to use an SPF 15 or higher balm on your lips, as they can get sunburned too. Lip balms are also available in a variety of colors like pink or sparkles, and flavors from cherry to chocolate.
1 It's summertime, the days are longer and warmer and, naturally, we are outside more often. It's a good time to consider summer safety tips.