Summer in Florida is hot, humid, and very sunny. Sun safety is always in season, but it is more important than ever for those of us who spend the summers in Florida. The UV Index in Southwest Florida reaches 11+ on many summer days. This means a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. At this UV Index, sunburns can occur in less than 5 minutes.
Here are some tips you and your family can do to survive the Florida summers when planning to be outdoors safely.
Shade
- Pick areas with shade or tree coverage to play
- It's especially important between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV Index is the highest
Sunscreen
- Know how to find the best sunscreens by looking for these key words and ingredients.
- SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher
- Broad Spectrum (has ingredients that effectively protect against both UVA and UVB rays)
- Water-resistant (look for resistance ratings of 80+ minutes)
- Physical blockers reflect UV rays, are better tolerated by sensitive skin, and are more environmentally friendly. Look for the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Apply sunscreen effectively
- Apply enough sunscreen to ensure adequate coverage. An adult should be using 1 to 2 oz of sunscreen to cover their body
- Apply 15 min before sun exposure
- Don’t forget lips, ears, and scalps (especially where the hair parts or swirls)
- Water does not effectively block UV rays. Apply water-resistant sunscreen even if you plan on being submerged in water most of the time
- Reapply sunscreen every 1 to 2 hours, especially when swimming or sweating
- Apply even when cloudy or overcast. Up to 80% of UVB rays penetrate cloud coverage
- Children under six months should be kept out of the sun or use physical barriers to cover their sensitive skin. After six months old, you can apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. Protective hats and clothing are still highly recommended
Cover Up
- Many fabrics offer high-tech protection and breathability
- UPF (ultraviolet protective factor) shirts, buffs, and wide-brim hats provide sun protection that doesn’t wear off with water or sweating
- Don’t forget sunglasses
Bobbi Georgia Brady, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at The Woodruff Institute. www.thewoodruffinstitute.com
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