Who doesn’t love lounging by the swimming pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying a lazy summer day. Everyone loves to get that perfect tan. These days we understand that it’s ok to be in the sun be we have be careful and protect our skin from harmful damage.  There are lots of great tricks to help you tan safely.

Using a suntan lotion with the wrong SPF (Sun Protection Factor), or worse, not using any suntan lotion at all leaves your skin unprotected.  This can result in harsh sun burns and higher risks of skin cancer. This is especially true of young children with delicate skin. When buying sunscreen try to find one with an SPF of at least 30 and apply hourly or as directed.

While a regular sunscreen is fine for going out in the sun or touring about, consider using a waterproof sunscreen for days at the beach or by the pool.  The advantage of using a waterproof sunscreen is obvious. Even when you swim your skin is protected, without the need to reapply.

Know your what your facing, even a cloudy day can have a high UV index.  

If the index is 2 or lower then:

Wear sunglasses.

Use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

 

An index between 2 – 5

Ensure you have protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Use SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.

 

6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating

 

8 to 10 means very high risk. Take extra precautions.

Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Seek shade, wear protective clothing

Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.

 

Finally, a reading of 11 or more means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Skin and eyes can burn in minutes.

Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Find shade, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.

 

If you are going to be alone or plan on napping then consider setting a timer on regular intervals to remind you to roll over and also to remind you of how long you have been out.