Don't Forget the Sunscreen!

Time to head to the beach, get out on the boat for some fishing, and attend outdoor family reunions and cookouts! The sun is bearing down, so no matter how much time you plan to spend outdoors, sunscreen is a must.  Sunburn begins on unprotected and improperly sun screened skin in a matter of minutes of exposure, so use these tips to help keep skin damage at bay. 

 

• - Purchase cream that has a 30 SPF for broad spectrum rays, as that protects against UVA and UVB rays.  Higher-numbered SPFs fool us into thinking we can stay exposed to the sun’s rays much longer, when that isn’t the case. 
• - Fifteen to thirty minutes before you head out, apply one ounce--about two tablespoons full--to exposed areas. Applying before you go outside gives it a chance to soak in. 
• - Avoid your eyes and forehead, as sweat can trickle down and cause the sunscreen to burn your eyes.   

• - Spray sunscreens are convenient, but make sure it’s applied as thoroughly as cream, rubbing it in to assure everything is covered, and avoid spraying the face.  The best way to apply it to your face is to spray it on your fingertips first, then rub it on your face. 
• - If you’re not sure whether you’re getting enough of the spray-type sunscreen on the skin, spray enough until it turns white on the skin, according to SunscreenSafety.info.  
• - Reapply every two hours, or after being in the water for any length of time, or toweling dry. Spray sunscreens wash off easier than lotions, so reapply after an hour to be safe. 
• - Lips are covered in very sensitive skin, but we don’t think about protecting them from sun damage.  Find a lip balm that has at least 30 SPF sun protection. 
• - Babies less than six months of age should not wear sunscreen.  Keep them in the shade, in light clothing, and if on the beach, turned away from the water, because the sun’s rays reflect off the water and can cause sunburn. 

• - If you take any medications, over-the-counter or prescription, talk to your doctor about sun sensitivity, and make sure there’s no interaction with sunscreen ingredients. 
• - Protect your scalp with a hat, and add extra protection to your skin with light clothing.  Seek shelter after a few hours; not only do you need a break from the sun, the shade is important to keep you from overheating. 

 

Sunburn isn’t just painful, it damages your skin’s DNA, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, and “...a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns.”  If you’re unsure about what sunscreen is best, see this list of the five best sunscreens from Consumer Reports. Applying sunscreen properly doesn’t just help you feel your best, it can have a positive impact on your health.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Photo credit: organizedmom.net