SUNBURN AND SUN EXPOSURE
Along with beautiful weather comes an increase in outdoor activities, and for many of us, this is a welcome phenomena. While we may look forward to spending countless hours outside, sometimes we don't adequately prepare; sadly, a day spent out in the sun without protection can lead to a very uncomfortable evening. Throughout the spring and summer, sunburn is an ever-present threat, but there are several ways we can protect ourselves and prevent skin damage.
Extended sun exposure (whether recreational or occupational) usually results in sunburn, the severity of which depends on skin type and what protective measures, such as sunscreen, have been taken. The risks of long term exposure to UV radiation are widely documented, making it even more critical to educate yourself on ways to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Purchasing the correct sunscreen is an important step in protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays. With the large variety of products available, your skin type and also your level of UV ray tolerance must be taken into account. It can be difficult to determine the effectiveness of each type of sunscreen because individuals respond differently to UV radiation; in other words, not every sunscreen is right for you. An important measure to consider when making a selection is the Sun Protection Factor, or SPF. The formula for SPF is as follows: if it generally takes about 60 minutes for you to get a sunburn and you apply sunscreen with a SPF of 4, you can stay in the sun 4 times longer before having the same degree of sunburn (assuming the sunscreen is reapplied appropriately at the recommended intervals). People with lighter skin tones (less natural skin protection) should use products with higher SPFs. Generally speaking, products with an SPF of 30 are the best choice, but this isn’t true in all cases.
Some key things to remember:
1) Water resistant sunscreen retains its sun protection for up to 40 minutes in water,
and very water resistant sunscreen can offer protection for up to 80 minutes
2) Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure and reapply often.
3) Lip protection can be achieved by chapsticks or lip glosses with SPF.
4) Parents of young children should seek the advice of their pediatrician before a
selection is made; babies under 6 months old have yet to develop absorption capabilities
and therefore special attention should be given to this age group.
5) Before taking new medications, ask your pharmacist if the prescription will make you
more photosensitive; you may also want to inquire about your current medicines.
While I've only addressed a few fundamental ways to protect yourself from overexposure, following these guidelines will help you safely enjoy the summer sun. As always, we welcome any of your questions at Seven Lakes Prescription Shoppe, Inc and look forward to continuing to serve you.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE SUNBURNT, GIVE US A CALL...WE COMPOUND A PRODUCT FOR SUNBURN THAT WORKS VERY VERY WELL AT TREATING THE BURNING PAIN, REDNESS AND ENSUING ITCHING THAT IS SURE TO COME. CALL MELISSA AT 910.673.7467 AND GET SOME SUNBURN RELIEF TODAY!
TREY WATERS, PHARM.D., RPH
WATERS.TREY@GMAIL.COM
WWW.ASKDOCWATERS.COM
Sincerely,
Trey Waters, Pharm.D., RPh.
Extended sun exposure (whether recreational or occupational) usually results in sunburn, the severity of which depends on skin type and what protective measures, such as sunscreen, have been taken. The risks of long term exposure to UV radiation are widely documented, making it even more critical to educate yourself on ways to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Purchasing the correct sunscreen is an important step in protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays. With the large variety of products available, your skin type and also your level of UV ray tolerance must be taken into account. It can be difficult to determine the effectiveness of each type of sunscreen because individuals respond differently to UV radiation; in other words, not every sunscreen is right for you. An important measure to consider when making a selection is the Sun Protection Factor, or SPF. The formula for SPF is as follows: if it generally takes about 60 minutes for you to get a sunburn and you apply sunscreen with a SPF of 4, you can stay in the sun 4 times longer before having the same degree of sunburn (assuming the sunscreen is reapplied appropriately at the recommended intervals). People with lighter skin tones (less natural skin protection) should use products with higher SPFs. Generally speaking, products with an SPF of 30 are the best choice, but this isn’t true in all cases.
Some key things to remember:
1) Water resistant sunscreen retains its sun protection for up to 40 minutes in water,
and very water resistant sunscreen can offer protection for up to 80 minutes
2) Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure and reapply often.
3) Lip protection can be achieved by chapsticks or lip glosses with SPF.
4) Parents of young children should seek the advice of their pediatrician before a
selection is made; babies under 6 months old have yet to develop absorption capabilities
and therefore special attention should be given to this age group.
5) Before taking new medications, ask your pharmacist if the prescription will make you
more photosensitive; you may also want to inquire about your current medicines.
While I've only addressed a few fundamental ways to protect yourself from overexposure, following these guidelines will help you safely enjoy the summer sun. As always, we welcome any of your questions at Seven Lakes Prescription Shoppe, Inc and look forward to continuing to serve you.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE SUNBURNT, GIVE US A CALL...WE COMPOUND A PRODUCT FOR SUNBURN THAT WORKS VERY VERY WELL AT TREATING THE BURNING PAIN, REDNESS AND ENSUING ITCHING THAT IS SURE TO COME. CALL MELISSA AT 910.673.7467 AND GET SOME SUNBURN RELIEF TODAY!
TREY WATERS, PHARM.D., RPH
WATERS.TREY@GMAIL.COM
WWW.ASKDOCWATERS.COM
Sincerely,
Trey Waters, Pharm.D., RPh.
