How to Not Burn in the Sun

How Not to Burn in the Sun

From: India-Jewel Jackson

Summer is approaching quickly, and for many of us that means more time outdoors. As we emerge from our seasonal incandescent hibernation, our enthusiasm for catching some "rays" often clouds our good judgment, and unfortunately a few hours of fun in the sun can quickly become hours or days of sunburn pain and peeling. Cathy Mogler shares three simple rules to ensure you'll have fun, not burn in the sun. Your skin and eyes will thank you.

RULE ONE:

Know your UV limitations. Every person's skin responds differently to UV rays (sunlight). In 1975 Thomas Fitzpatrick, a Harvard PhD, devised the Fitzpatrick skin test to help define these boundaries. The Fitzpatrick test asks a series of questions that look at genetics, previous experiences, and lifestyle. The questions yield a raw score and neatly categorize skin types into 6 distinct categories ranging from light to dark skin. On one end of the spectrum you have people with little or no tolerance to UV and burn easily (type I). On the other end of the spectrum you have people with dark skin that do not burn easily (type VI). If you would like to take the Fitzpatrick test and determine your specific skin type, please visit http://www.sunsauce.com/. Understanding your burn threshold can make your time outdoors more enjoyable and safer.

RULE TWO:

Always wear a waterproof SPF lotion. SPF's (sun protection factor) or sun blocks can easily and effectively reduce your risk of burning. SPF's use a number system to identify their ability to block or repel burning rays. As an example, assume you normally redden or burn in 10 minutes of direct sunlight. When you apply an SPF 15, it increases the time it takes to redden or burn up to 150 minutes or 15 times as long. SPF's with a higher number generally provide a longer duration of protection. It is important to liberally apply the sunscreen to all exposed areas or you will regret any oversights. Additionally, sweat, water, or rubbing off can remove SPF, so make sure to liberally reapply as needed. Sunscreens are a great preventative measure, but if you think you are burning, get out of the sun. Sunburns or overexposure are key factors in premature aging.

RULE THREE:

Don't forget to wear sunglasses. Overexposure to UV rays can cause eye damage. Your eyes are fragile and UV's invisible rays can penetrate the eyes, even in cloud cover. UV blocking sunglasses are more then a fashion statement; they are your eyes first defense against burning. Use them regularly.

Enjoy

Lorette

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