Sun Safety

Sun safety is never out of season. Summer is the time for picnics, trips to the pool and beach, and an increase in sunburns. Studies over the past 20 years have shown that excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Harmful rays from the sun, as well as those from sunlamps and tanning beds, may also cause eye problems, weaken the immune system, and produce unsightly spots and wrinkles later.

No matter what our skin color, we’re all potential victims of sunburn and the other detrimental effects of excessive exposure to UV radiation. People who need to be extra careful in the sun are those who have:

• pale skin
• blonde, red or light brown hair
• been treated for skin cancer
• a member family who’s had skin cancer.

Some medications may increase one’s sensitivity to the sun. Cosmetics that contain alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) may also increase sun sensitivity and susceptibility to sunburn. The following are some sun safety precautions to take.

• Reduce time in the sun. This is especially important between the hours of 10:00a.m and 4:00p.m.when the sun’s rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80% of the sun’s rays can get through the clouds.
• Dress with care. Wear clothes that protect your body. Cover as much of your body as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and long pants. Consider using an umbrella for shade.
• Be serious about sunscreen. Check product label to make sure you’re getting a sun protective factor (SPF) of at least 15. The higher the number, the better the protection. Look for sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB, and is water resistant.
• Don’t forget the eyes. When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 99-100% UV protection.

Source: Sun Safety Save Your Skin! FDA Consumer Health Information. www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/sun072407.html