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WEAR
SUNSCREEN Everybody likes to be out in the sun. In fact, our body needs it in order to function properly. But the sun can be dangerous, as anyone knows who ever had a sunburn. To prevent long-term skin damage it is vital to take the proper precautions. Sunscreen is the key for safe sun behavior. By reducing the amount of ultraviolet light that penetrates your skin, it extends the time you can safely enjoy the sun's rays. The factor on the bottle indicates the degree of protection provided. It's also important to take care of your skin after sun exposure. A few simple rules to follow are: Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before exposure to the sun in order to achieve the best protection. Wear sunscreen in the water. You're at risk in the water too - some 60% of the sun's UV radiation penetrates the water at swimming depths. Don't let cloudy
days fool you! Clouds don't protect from UV rays, and you can even get a sunburn in the shade, sand, water and buildings can reflect up to 50% of the UV radiation. Take extra precautions with children. Children are at extreme risk, with their thin sensitive skin and their love of splashing around in the water. Apply sunscreen correctly. When the SPF test is done the testing lab uses an amount of sunscreen representative of 1 ounce per each full body (adult) application. Apply a moisturizer after sun exposure. The skin needs special care after sun exposure, to restore moisture. Vitamin E is needed to fight free radicals triggered by sunlight, and to prepare the skin for the next day of fun in the sun. Skin types: Which are you?? Type 1 Always burns, never tans SPF 2 blocks about 50%
of the UVR. That's why most health professionals agree that an SPF 15 is enough, Bottom line -- use at least an SPF 15 and use it, correctly! General disclaimer: The Hutchinson Clinic Wellness Topic page is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended for rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through this page should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. It is not a substitute for professional care. Consult your health care provider for professional care.
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