Helpful Tips for Sunburn Protections

There are two types of radiation which reach the earth's surface, UVA and UVB. UVB is the type of radiation associated with sunburn, while UVA is radiation which is deeper and more penetrating.

Here are some general safety tips which when followed will help avoid overexposure to the sun:

1. The times of day during which the sun’s radiation is most dangerous is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Where possible do outdoor activities during other times of the day. It’s important to understand that the exposure you get at 8 a.m (or before). or at 4 p.m. (or after) is only a third of the exposure you get at midday. This, however, does not mean that you cannot get a sunburn in the middle of the afternoon.

2. Keep in mind that time in the sun is commutative in terms of exposure. Just short amounts of sun time, when added together can lead to sun damage.

3. It’s hard to remember, but important to know that you are being exposed to the sun’s radiation, even on overcast days, when between 30 and 60 percent of the sun's rays can penetrate to the earth's surface.

4. A hat and sunglasses should be standard gear when you are out in the sun.

5. Use broad spectrum sun screens that contain active ingredients that absorb at least 85% of UVA and UVB rays. A sun screen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, will filter out both UVA and UVB radiation. Be generous with your application of a sun screen. Apply it on every exposed skin area, about 20 minutes before exposure. Remember the areas that are easy to miss, like the rims of your ears, back of your neck, and tops of your feet. For the average adult, the recommended dose of a sun screen is one ounce, or one quarter of a 4ounce bottle, per application. Reapply a sun screen every two hours, after being in the water, or after exercising and sweating.

These very basic guidelines will save you sun burns today and sun-damaged skin when you get older.