WOOOOHOOO!!!! Summer is officially here and we know what that means: No more rushing to school, calmer schedules, summer camp, family road trips, beach vacations, backyard BBQ’s, more mosquitos than we can count (or kill), and lots and lots of FUN in the S-U-N!
Those of us living in Miami are exposed to the sun ALL of the time. But just how much sun is TOO much sun? What can you do to prevent and treat sunburn? And how do you know if a suspicious spot should be checked out by a professional?
SUNSHINE AND THE HUMAN BODY
First of all, we need a little bit of sun every day. Why? Because we all need Vitamin D! This vitamin helps our bones, and without it, we’re at risk of conditions like osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps to give your immune system a boost.
When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it manufactures vitamin D; however, letting the sun beat down on you 12 hours a day without sunscreen isn’t smart and can lead to bigger problems like skin cancer.
PROTECTING YOUR BIRTHDAY SUIT (AKA: YOUR SKIN) WITH SUNSCREEN
How exactly does the stuff work? Ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and other minerals act as a physical sunblock by reflecting UV rays from the skin.
Whenever you see photos of lifeguards on the beach with white-colored noses – yup, that’s due to those compounds. Nowadays, sunscreen manufacturers can make these compounds a lot smaller so that they can blend in with your skin.
Sunscreen can also contain ingredients such as avobenzone or oxybenzone – which are organic chemicals that absorb UV radiation instead of reflecting it.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE WITH SPF, UVA, AND UVB?
This confuses most people, so you aren’t alone if you have no idea what these mean!
UVB rays are the BURNING rays. Think, “UVBurn baby burn!!!” These are the rays that can cause those nasty sunburns and skin cancer.
UVA rays are what cause age spots and wrinkles. Think, “UVAging!!!” This kind of radiation can also cause some types of skin cancer.
SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor” and refers to how well a sunscreen can protect against UVB rays (“UV Burn baby burn!!!).
Next time you go to the store to get sunscreen, look for the ones that are labeled “broad spectrum” to ensure that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
The ideal time to apply your sunscreen is 15 minutes before you go outside, and then again every 2 hours. Depending on the size of the person, one ounce should do.
Additionally, for you ladies who wear makeup, look for products that include at least SPF 15. Just take note that the trace amounts of SPF in foundations or moisturizer likely won’t be enough on its own – you’ll still have to layer on regular sunscreen.
PROTECTING YOUR SKIN WITH CLOTHING
When you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, another great way to protect your skin – and that of your family — is to cover up with lightweight, light-colored clothes or sun-block clothing with SPF in the material. You can also wear a hat with a brim to cover your eyes and scalp, and of course, sunglasses to protect your eyes.
DRINK UP!
Remember that it is important to stay hydrated when you’re spending time in the sun. Especially in the Miami heat. Coffee, tea, and alcohol will actually dehydrate you so I want to encourage you to carry a bottle of water with you when you’re spending time in the sun and aim to drink more than you normally would to avoid heat stroke.
HELP! I HAVE A SUNBURN!
No matter how hard you try, chances are, someone will get some sort of sunburn on some random body part.
Here is a super simple recipe that you can make that’s just four ingredients:
¼ cup jojoba oil
¼ aloe vera gel
2 TBSP coconut oil
2-3 drops of lavender essential oil
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend on low to combine. Pour into a sealable jar and keep in the fridge until you need it!
Do you have any homemade tricks for sunburns? Share by commenting below!
