Sun Safety Arianna Drane University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

So its that time of year again! The sun is out for way longer and the temperature is heating up! If youre like me the first thing you want to do is go outside and soak up some sun! But before you go out read up on some information about Sun Safety!

UVA vs UVB ZThere are two main type of rays that come from the sun, UVA and UVB rays. ZUVA Rays are the rays that we are most exposed to and while they are not as dangerous as UVB rays they are not to be forgotten! ZUVB Rays are the rays that cause sunburns, and more importantly skin cancer! The most amount of UVB rays are exposed between 10 am and 4pm April through October.

SPF ZSPF, or Sun Protection Factor is the amount of protection that a certain sunscreen provides. ZSunscreen absorbs and reflects the rays that the sun emits, preventing sunburns. ZWhen going out, the FDA recommends that you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and that it has the label broad spectrum so it protects you from UVA and UVB rays.

Sunburn Prevention ZStay in the shade between 10am and 4pm. ZWear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat. ZWear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF with at least 15.

Okay, you have a sunburn, now what? ZTake an aspirin or ibuprofen. ZSlather on the moisturizer such as and/or chilled Aloe Vera. ZAfter the sunburn has completely healed exfoliate the area. ZAfter exfoliating apply a Retinol cream to repair elasticity in the skin.

Z2% of women said they try to spend as much time as possible in the sun. ZAmerican women ages 18 to 49 spend an average of 4 hours per day in the sun, with 27% reporting spending 5 hours or more. Z38% of women endure the pain and discomfort of burning to achieve a tan. Z 36% of women who get a sunburn feel like they should have known better. Women & the Sun

Skin Cancer Facts ZThe Skin Cancer Foundation learned that 42 percent of people polled get a sunburn at least once a year. ZOne blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. ZA person's risk for melanoma also doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any age. ZMelanoma is a very dangerous type of skin cancer, and the leading cause of death from skin cancer.

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