Warmer spring days have finally arrived, and hot summer days will soon be here. When the weather gets nice, my kids and I like to head outdoors to garden, play at the park, swim, and visit the zoo.
When To Apply Sunscreen
Before heading outside for more than ten to fifteen minutes, I liberally apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 on my kids and myself. Broad-spectrum means that the sunscreen protects against both types of harmful UV rays from the sun, both UVA and UVB.
Choosing The Right SPF For Your Sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends selecting a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. SPF, or sun protection factor, measures the fraction of sunburn-producing UV rays that reach the skin.
I personally choose SPF 50 sunscreen because my ridiculously fair skin burns in a matter of minutes if I even think about the sun. My children both have light skin similar in fairness to mine.
SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB rays, and SPF 45 blocks 98 percent. No sunscreen blocks 100 percent, so sunscreens with ridiculously high SPFs are just that—ridiculous.
I chose SPF 50 because tear-free baby sunscreen usually has SPF 50. However, you should choose at least SPF 30 when choosing sunscreen.
Why You Should Choose A Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Whatever SPF you choose, dermatologists recommend using a water-resistant sunscreen applied liberally one-half hour before heading outside. Water resistant sunscreen remains effective on wet or sweaty skin for a while before you need to reapply.
Water resistance lasts either 40 or 80 minutes. Not all sunscreens offer water resistance.
You should also reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming, drying off, or sweating. Also, use caution around water, sand, and even snow because these surfaces can reflect UV rays, causing your skin to burn faster.
Remember: Sunburn increases the risk of cancer and causes premature aging. Even if you are not concerned about an increased cancer risk, appease your vanity and stay younger looking longer!
How Much Sunscreen Should I Apply?
In addition to using a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, be sure to apply enough. You should use at least an ounce per sitting. When I apply sunscreen to my kids and myself, I slather it on thickly before rubbing it in. When I apply sunscreen, my kids and I look like goopy white ghosts.
I cover all three of us thickly before rubbing the sunscreen in to make sure that our skin gets a liberal coating to protect us from the harmful rays of the sun. Many people who do use sunscreen regularly do not use enough. Use at least an ounce (or more!) every time you apply and reapply.
Wearing Proper Clothing To Help Protect Against Sunburn
Finally, clothing, hats, sunglasses, and other cover-ups are equally important in protecting against the sun’s harmful effects.
My kids and I usually avoid going outside between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours. If we do go outside during the sunniest parts of the day, we seek shade whenever possible. We also wear clothing with a tight weave, including swimwear that protects against UV rays, hats with wide brims, and sunglasses that offer UV protection.
Check out the following infographics for more information about sun safety and sunscreen.
Image Credits
Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Sun Safety: https://www.flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/6884555524/ (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) and https://www.flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/7035764009/ (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
How to Select a Sunscreen: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/prevent/how-to-select-a-sunscreen
How to Properly Use Sunscreen: http://www.stack.com/a/how-to-properly-use-sunscreen
Sunscreen Facts You Should Know: http://blog.ololrmc.com/sunscreen-facts-you-should-know/
Fun in the Sun: https://lescurieusesblog.wordpress.com/tag/sunscreen/
Why Sun Protection Should Be Used 365 Days a Year: http://continentalmedicalservices.co.uk/index.php/sun-screan-is-your-friend-365-days-a-year-infographic/