Don't Forget Your Sunscreen

The dog days of summer are coming to an end. The days of outdoor BBQs, picnics, and, most importantly, the beach are unfortunately numbered. But there is still some time to soak up some sun rays before the Fall breeze arrives. Let’s make sure you do it the right way.

As a pharmacist, I want to make sure you understand the steps you can take to keep your skin healthy for the summer! The sun is strongest and hottest between 10AM to 4PM. Even if it’s cloudy, the sun gives off invisible rays called ultraviolet (UV) rays which can penetrate through your skin. These UV rays are the reason your skin gets darker in the summer and sometimes burns. Too much can not only make you sunburned but can also be harmful in the long run. But the good news is that we can significantly lower that risk by putting on sunscreen.

Here are some things to look out for. We recommend using broad spectrum sunscreen, which covers UVA and UVB. You’re going to want coverage for both. For Sun Protection Factor (SPF), we want you to use SPF 30 or higher. If you go for a swim, make sure you reapply after. Yes, it says “water-resistant”, but it is only “water-resistant” for 40 to 80 minutes. So, the general rule of thumb is to apply at least every 2 hours. Follow these tips, and you’re good to go! And enjoy your summer!