Pharmacist’s Corner: Fun in the Sun
Summer time is upon us and its perfect weather for spending town in the great outdoors!
Whether hiking in the mountains or lazing in a raft down the river the time of year for warmth and sun is here for you.
Being out in the sun all day does sound like a great time, but you must remember proper sun care!
Here at Capsule, we do love having a blast in the summer heat but we also want to make sure you’re adequately protected when you’re outside.
Preparations for a Day Out
Not only can you avoid some crowds by going out earlier or later, it can be better for your skin too! The sun’s rays are most powerful between 10am and 2pm, so try to plan your day accordingly.
Always make sure any skin that isn’t covered by clothing has a decent amount of sunscreen protecting it. Apply sunscreen around 15 to 30 minutes before going out.
Use sunscreen on all skin not covered by clothes. Don’t forget your nose, ears, neck, backs of hands, tops of feet, and top of head (if you don’t have much hair).
Make sure the minimum SPF you buy is 15. Anything less is not worth it. SPF refers to Sun Protection Factor. Generally the higher the number, the better the sunburn protection, but choosing a product with double the SPF doesn’t mean double the sunburn protection. For example, a product with SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB radiation, while a product with SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB radiation.
Also look for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. These are called broad-spectrum sunscreens.
Don’t forget to re-apply at least ever 2 hours as well! (That’s even if you’re wearing water resistant sunscreen). Apply more often if you are sweating or swimming.
If a sunscreen and insect repellent are both being used, apply the sunscreen about 30 minutes before the insect repellent.
Why Should I Protect Myself Against the Sun?
The sun, although a wonderful source of heat and life, is quite dangerous. Roughly 90% of reported cases of skin cancer are caused by sun damage. Sunning also causes the skin to age faster. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays, which are the cause of these damaging effects of excessive sun exposure. UVA rays are mostly responsible for early skin aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays are mostly responsible for sunburn. That’s why it is important for us to use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays as mentioned earlier.
I’ve Heard a Rumor That…
You shouldn’t trust rumours. Here are some facts from the experts at Capsule:
- Indoor tanning is not safer
- Base tans will not protect you from further damage
- If you’re shadow is shorter than you are, it’s safer to seek shade than stay in the sun
- Sunscreens are not typically recommended for children under 6 months of age, so they should be kept in the shade whenever possible
- Clouds can only block 20% of UV rays
- Water will not block any UV rays
Time to Head Outside
The outside world isn’t scary, you just need to be smart about it! If you have any questions on safe sun care then come on down to Capsule and ask our friendly pharmacists!
Stay safe out there and enjoy the summer!
by Capsule Pharmacy | | Categories : Categories: Uncategorized