Sun Safety

Soaking up the sun may be good for your tan, attitude and vitamin D requirements, but overexposure can damage your skin and your vision. That’s because the ultraviolet (UV) radiation sunlight contains can lead to skin cancer and vision problems such as corneal burns, cataracts and macular degeneration.

"Prevention is the best way to protect your skin and your vision," says Dr. Isabel Zhu, a dermatologist in Boulder, Colo. "Just limiting the sun exposure you get can reduce your chances of developing skin cancer and help protect your vision."

Sunscreen and sunglasses

The first step, says Zhu, is to use sunscreen daily. She recommends products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. "Apply it about 30 minutes before you go out so it has a chance to soak in," she advises. "And use plenty, covering all exposed areas of the body with a thin layer." If you don’t like the pasty white look that comes with most sunscreens, select a gel-based sunscreen instead.

Zhu says parents should be especially careful that children have daily sunscreen protection, too. That’s because repeated early sunburns may increase skin cancer risk. To safeguard vision, select sunglasses for children and adults that protect against ultraviolet radiation.

Taking precautions year-around is important, says Zhu, noting that people living in the Sunbelt or at high altitudes are at greater risk because the sun is at its most intense there.

Zhu recommends the following sun safety tips:

• Stay indoors—Avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. Ultraviolet radiation can penetrate clouds, so protect yourself even on overcast days.

• Seek shade—Staying in the shade can cut sun exposure, but remember UV radiation reflecting off water can burn skin and damage vision.

• Apply sunscreen—Be generous with the sunscreen (a palmful is a good start), and reapply it after swimming, toweling dry or perspiring heavily.

• Cover up—Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts made of tightly woven fabric to block sun exposure.

• Wear a hat—Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat that shields your face, ears, neck and eyes. If you prefer a baseball cap, put extra sunscreen on your ears and neck.

• Be sunglass smart—Choose sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and surrounding skin.

Mardy Fones is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tenn.

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