Get ready for the sunny days of summer! After a chilly and damp spring many of us sure welcome summer and the warming rays of the sun. They put us in an upbeat frame of mind. But like many things we enjoy, too much can be harmful.
It's June in Portland: Be ready for the sunny days of summer! After a chilly and damp spring many of us welcome summer and the warming rays of the sun. They put us in an upbeat frame of mind. But like many things we enjoy, too much can be harmful. When it comes to the sun, it doesn't take much to qualify as too much. The sun's ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can lead to wrinkles and skin cancer.
If you have fair skin, red hair, or blonde hair, you are particularly susceptible to sun damage. And if you work or play outside, you have to be very careful to avoid overexposure. The best plan is to set a time for your outdoor activities in the morning before 10 a.m. or in the late afternoon after 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are not as strong as they are at mid-day. Do what you can to shade your skin. Sit under an umbrella, or wear a big hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. Whenever you will be outdoors for more than a few minutes, whether the day is sunny or cloudy, be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen. Most products have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 to 25. The lighter your skin is, the higher your protection factor should be. When shopping for a sunscreen, look for one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Tanning booths often claim they use "harmless" UVA rays. While UVA rays take longer to damage the skin, they go deeper into the skin than UVBs and cause significant damage over time.
If you want the look of a suntan, check out the wide array of skin bronzers and tanning creams available in most drug stores and supermarkets.
