Fun in the Sun (Without the Burn)
Lori Hamrick
April 9, 2010
Filed under Fun Stuff, Health & Fitness
As the weather gets warmer, it’s hard to find a corner on campus where students aren’t relaxing in the sun. It is relaxing to study with the sun on your shoulders, and Ultimate Frisbee seems to be the campus game of choice. Lots of students choose to just relax and lie on a blanket or towel on the grass. While the sun is enjoyable, it can also be harmful. Skin cancer is deadly, and sunburns are more than a little uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean locking yourself indoors. Here are a few tips on how to have fun outdoors while keeping yourself safe!
The best thing you can possibly do for your skin is wear sunscreen. All of us have heard this advice countless times, and tend to roll our eyes when we hear it, but how many of us actually apply sunscreen before we step outdoors? Applying sunblock is the number one way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Be careful what sunscreen you choose, because they are not all created equal. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, meaning it guards against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be reapplied frequently, and should be at least SPF 30. It doesn’t last forever, either. If you just pull an old bottle out from under your sink, make sure you check the expiration date. And don’t forget the drying effects of the sun on hair. Lots of products are available to protect the hair and the sensitive scalp area.
The AAD says that the sun is strongest between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, so be extra careful during these hours. Not sure how strong the sunlight is? The Weather Channel and other weather forecasts generally publish a UV index. Another quick way to tell? Check your shadow. If your shadow is shorter than you are, you’re in direct sunlight. Don’t forget that you don’t have to be in direct sunlight to damage your skin; even small amounts of sun exposure can cause melanoma.
Cover up! Long pants and sleeves provide great protection from the sun. Just be careful to stay cool and hydrated. If it’s too hot to wear long sleeves, you can still protect yourself. Look for rockstar-appropriate big sunglasses, since bigger glasses will shade more of your face. If you still feel under-accessorized, throw on a hat.
No matter what your favorite outdoor activity is, don’t forget to stay protected from the sun, even if it isn’t strong. Even small amounts of UVA and UVB exposure can be harmful to your skin. Stay extra hydrated, and trust me on the sunscreen.
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