Grab Those Sunnies and the SPF – It’s UV Safety Month
Summer is in full swing which means most of us are out playing in the sun! Pool parties, beach vacations, playgrounds, and backyard barbecues are what the last couple of months of summer are all about. While it is a great idea to soak up that vitamin D – you need to make sure you are protecting you and your family in the process. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared July UV Safety Month, making this the perfect opportunity to learn a little more about UV rays and sun safety.
Murad’s Five S’s of Sun Sense
I stumbled across this list of ways to protect yourself from UV rays and I love how easy it is to remember them. Just keep in mind Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide.
- Slip on clothing to keep your body protected.
- Slop on sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body.
- Slap on a hat to keep your scalp, neck, and top of your head protected.
- Seek the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest.
- Slide on protective eyewear to keep your eyes sun-safe.
Source: Murad.com
Sunscreen
First things first, let’s dive into protecting your skin. Did you know skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? People who get a lot of exposure to UV rays are at a greater risk for skin cancer. Though sunlight is the main source of UV rays, that does not mean you need to stop going outdoors. When you know you are going to be in the sun, make sure you put on sunscreen. Sunscreen should be thought of as your first line of defense against the sun. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure you read the label. Sunscreens with board spectrum protection and with sun protection factor (SPF) values of 30 or higher are recommended. Be sure to apply the sunscreen properly. About one ounce of sunscreen should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of an average adult.
Clothing
When you are out in the sun, it is best to wear clothing that will cover your skin. Dark colors generally provide more protection than light colors. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through. Wear a hat with at least a two-inch brim all around whenever you can. We recommend getting one with a UNC logo.
Sunglasses
Last but certainly not least, UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves. Before you buy sunglasses, check the label to make sure they say something along the lines of “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements”.
Source: American Cancer Society
Where to Shop
At 501 Pharmacy we have a wide variety of sunscreens for you to choose from. I would love to help you find one that will work perfectly for you and your family.