Top 5 Sun Care Safety Tips

While being in the sun has its share of benefits for health and well-being, it also carries quite a few risks if the skin is not taken care of properly. Here are 5 sun care safety tips to keep in mind before heading out to catch some rays.

The sun, a 6 billion old star remains a seasonal topic of confusion almost every summer yet it can have a year round effect. How do we understand the damage the sun can cause to our skin and how can we protect ourselves?

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Here are the top 5 sun care safety tips to make sure you do before heading out for a day in the sun:

1.     Avoid direct sun contact between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV rays are strongest.

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2. Apply sun care products 30 minutes before going outside.

3. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

4. Wear sun blocking clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, loose fitting light colored clothing and UV blocking sunglasses.

5. Be mindful and don’t allow your skin to burn.

“There is no safe way to tan. Every time you tan, you damage your skin. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for all types of skin cancer.”¹

Personal preference and purpose are often deciding factors when purchasing sunscreens. Some prefer to use sunscreen on their face but often forget about our other body parts that are exposed to the sun especially during the summer months.

Often we think to use sun protection for the body when at the beach or when we know we will have maximum sun exposure throughout the day. If outdoor activity during the summer is your thing, then sunscreens labeled "Sport" are best which offer a “water resistant” protection, not “waterproof”. For this reason sunscreens need to be re-applied periodically throughout the day to avoid burns, sun damage and photo aging. Some people prefer lotions or creams but spray lotions are easiest to apply for the body and offer better coverage.

It is not possible to know how anyone's skin reacts to topical lotions, creams. Some sunscreens have added skin soothers and conditioners like Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Lavender, all which are very soothing and calming to the skin. Lavender is often recommended for psoriasis and Aloe Vera heals skin wounds. 

What to consider when purchasing sunscreen:   

•   Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

•   Natural/Biodegradable

•   Eco-Safe/Reef Friendly

•   UVB/UVA Protection

•   No Parabens

•   Botanical/Mineral Blend

•   Water Resistant

Coconut’s Green Market sells over 50 different sun care products and 15 brands to choose from. To easily find products go to the category "Personal Care" then go to "Sun Care" or you can use this link: “Sun Care”. As you scroll thru pages consider your outdoor activity level and personal preferences. 

Have any other ideas for sun protection you like to do? Comment below to share your input!

Resources:

¹American Academy of Dermatology

²Skin Cancer Foundation