Advice from Dermatologists: Preventing Sunburns

Advice from Dermatologists: Preventing Sunburns

It’s a well-known rule of humanity: when the sun comes out, so do the shorter clothes, the longer outings, the lounge chairs, the beach balls, and, hopefully, the sunscreen. This last one is, of course, the most important. As the weather gets warmer, it’s crucial to know how to prevent those uncomfortable and potentially-dangerous sunburns.

Sunburns

Not too long ago, a sunburn didn’t seem like anything serious. All it meant was a bit of temporary discomfort, a trip to the store for some aloe vera, and perhaps a mental note to bring the sunscreen next time. However, today we know that sunburns can be extremely damaging to the skin and, in cases of continued and extreme sunburns, can actually lead to skin cancer. Of course, that doesn’t mean that we have to hide from the sun, never to leave the house again. All we have to do to keep our skin healthy and happy outside is to do a little research on sunburn prevention, and then we’re golden (no pun intended).

Advice

From Experts Our expert Dermatologists know a thing or two about sunburns and how to prevent them. Here’s a quick look!

• Avoiding the sun. We just said that it’s not necessary to hide from the sun, and while that’s true, it is best to avoid the sun’s hottest and most damaging rays, which occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While a few minutes in these more extreme rays might not hurt anything, it’s best to plan outdoor fun for earlier or later in the day to avoid intense sunburns.
• Clothing choices. One of the most important things you can do to defend yourself from sunburns is to make good clothing choices. Always wear UV-protective sunglasses when outside, and remember to choose tightly-woven clothing that covers arms and legs, as well as a wide-brimmed hat (rather than a less effective baseball cap or visor).
• Sunscreen. It’s one thing to know that sunscreen is important; it’s another thing entirely to know how to use it just right. It’s recommended that you use sunblock of SPF of 30 or greater–and remember to put it on before any bug spray, and always reapply every two hours (or more often, if you plan to get wet!). For kids under 6 months, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician about sun protection.

Interested in more tips for protecting your skin? Looking for expert Dermatologists? Contact us today!