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POSTED: 12:08 pm EDT May 29,
2009
UPDATED: 1:10 pm EDT May 29,
2009
CLEVELAND -- The nice weather is finally here in Northeast Ohio people are ready to soak up some sun. While we all need sunshine to keep our Vitamin D levels up, 15 minutes or so a day will do. But since we're all likely to spend more time than that outdoors, it's important to remember some key points to help you get the benefits of the sun without the damage. Throw old sunscreen away
If old bottles of sunscreen are cluttering up your bathroom shelf, throw them away. The active ingredients aren't meant to last forever. Get a fresh bottle of sunscreen and make sure it's a "full spectrum" screen that filters UVA and UVB rays. There is an ingredient on many new products called "helioplex" which offers the full spectrum coverage. Lather on the sunscreen
Make sure you use enough sunscreen. It should be enough to fill a shot glass or a golf ball-sized blob. Apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure to give it time to absorb. And remember to reapply after swimming or physical exertion, even if it's waterproof. Keep hydrated
Keep your water intake up during the summer, especially on warmer days before, during and after physical activity. Staying hydrated is a key factor in preventing heat-related illness. Medication make you sun-sensitive?
If you're taking any medication, check to see if it photo-sensitizes your skin. In other words, if it increases your risk for a quick burn. There is a long list of medications that have this side effect. They include: diuretics, some antibiotics (tetracycline drugs), microdermabrasion products, Retin A, some heart and diabetes medications, the herbal ingredient Balsam of Peru in aftershaves and perfumes, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers like Advil, Aleve, Motrin and Celebrex. Don't forget your shades
Finally, grab a good pair of sunglasses. Again, look for lenses that filter out UVA and UVB rays. Protect the eyes of your children as well. Sun damage is cumulative over a lifetime and can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. Get those cool sunglasses on and enjoy the summer!
If old bottles of sunscreen are cluttering up your bathroom shelf, throw them away. The active ingredients aren't meant to last forever. Get a fresh bottle of sunscreen and make sure it's a "full spectrum" screen that filters UVA and UVB rays. There is an ingredient on many new products called "helioplex" which offers the full spectrum coverage. Lather on the sunscreen
Make sure you use enough sunscreen. It should be enough to fill a shot glass or a golf ball-sized blob. Apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure to give it time to absorb. And remember to reapply after swimming or physical exertion, even if it's waterproof. Keep hydrated
Keep your water intake up during the summer, especially on warmer days before, during and after physical activity. Staying hydrated is a key factor in preventing heat-related illness. Medication make you sun-sensitive?
If you're taking any medication, check to see if it photo-sensitizes your skin. In other words, if it increases your risk for a quick burn. There is a long list of medications that have this side effect. They include: diuretics, some antibiotics (tetracycline drugs), microdermabrasion products, Retin A, some heart and diabetes medications, the herbal ingredient Balsam of Peru in aftershaves and perfumes, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers like Advil, Aleve, Motrin and Celebrex. Don't forget your shades
Finally, grab a good pair of sunglasses. Again, look for lenses that filter out UVA and UVB rays. Protect the eyes of your children as well. Sun damage is cumulative over a lifetime and can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. Get those cool sunglasses on and enjoy the summer!
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