Avoid the RAYS. The UV rays are the strongest between, 10am and 4pm. So, that’s when you must limit exposure to the sun The best way to avoid the sun rays, is to take care of your skin by seeking shade.
SPF 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen will give you the best protection from both UVB and UVA rays. Your since content should be at least 15%- 20% or more.
•less than 15% zinc oxide will give you an SPF of 24 or less.
•15 to 20% zinc oxide will give you an SPF of 24 to 32
•more than 20% zinc oxide gives you an SPF of at least 32.
Your sunscreen does have an expiration date, if you don’t see an expiration date, it’s shelf life is no more than three years! The other factor is less, if it’s been exposed to extensive sun exposure. Your sunscreen may be old if it changes color from white to yellow, changes in consistency, or starts to separate.
Apply sunscreen. Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. You must be applying a thick layer or you’re not getting full protection. 1 oz. per body part or about a full shot glass, is required to cover your whole body. Many sunscreens stop working, just 2 hrs. after your first application. All sunscreens, NEED to be reapplied after swimming, sweating, or any sun exposure.
*Chemical sunscreens need time to be absorbed into the skin to work, so they need to be applied about 15 minutes before going in the sun. Don’t forget about the sneaky, hard to reach spots, such as your scalp, the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet. Wear UPF clothing and apply sunscreen, to the underside of your chin, which can burn via reflection of the sun’s rays off surfaces such as snow, sand, and concrete.
WEAR SPF DAILY! Even on overcast days, protecting yourself from the sun’s rays, especially on car trips, plane rides and sitting near a window at home. The rays can peak through your windows, so you must take this into consideration, while you do your morning routine. Start adding SPF tp your everyday regime, not only are you helping prevent wrinkles but you’re saving yourself from skin cancer in the future.
Wear lip balm with SPF. You’re kisser needs LOVE too, don’t forget to protect your lips! They can develop skin cancer, so need to reapply a lip balm with SPF in it. I would carry it around with me always and don’t forget to reapply it regularly.
UV sunglasses. Ideal sunglasses, labeled “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV requirements,” means that they block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Not only can UV rays burn the important structures in your eye, UV rays can also contribute to the formation of cataracts, which can affect vision later in life. –aimatmelanoma.
Wear protective clothing and wide brimmed hats. Your clothes can provide great protection from the sun. Darker colored clothing is usually more protective than lighter colored, and a dry shirt is more protective than a wet one. Look for clothing that has a UPF rating. While SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures how long your sunscreen will protect you from ultraviolet rays, UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates how much of the sun’s UV rays are absorbed by the fabric instead of your skin. For clothing that has a UPF rating, look for UPF of 30 and above. Many of these fabrics have special washing instructions to maintain their UPF, so be sure to follow these instructions to ensure your garments continue to offer their full protective value. Wearing a hat with a wide brim – one that is 2-3 inches all the way around – is a great way to protect your head. If you wear a baseball cap, don’t forget to put sunscreen on your ears and neck. -aimatmelanoma