Who loves the sun?
You might enjoy the warm feeling of sunbathing more than your skin does. Of course, there are tremendous benefits to Vitamin D — from an improved mood and better immune function to preventing conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Plus, it just feels plain good to get out in the sun.
Whether you’re spending your summer at one of Columbia’s many parks and pools, exploring the MKT Trail, enjoying a drink on your favorite local patio or swimming at the Lake of the Ozarks, here are some quick facts and tips to make sure you’re avoiding as much harmful sun damage as possible.
When you’re sunbathing, there are three types of radiation from the sun: UVA, UVB and UVC. According to Boone Health, these rays have varying effects:
- UVA rays are responsible for wrinkles and other signs of aging.
- UVB rays are where sunburns come from. They’re not as prevalent as UVA rays, but you’ll surely feel it should you neglect your sunscreen!
- UVC rays are mostly blocked by the ozone layer.
So, when finding a sunscreen, choose a broad spectrum one that blocks both UVA and UVB. The Dermatology Center of Columbia advises that an SPF of at least 30 is your best friend. And don’t be shy — a shot glass full of sunscreen is the amount needed to adequately cover an adult’s body, so pour it up!
Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. Don’t forget the tops of your feet if you’re wearing sandals!
Seek shade. The peak hours of UV ray strength are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and taking breaks from the sun will reduce the amount of harmful radiation reaching your skin.
What to wear? The Dermatology Center of Columbia recommends the following:
- A hat to cover your scalp, ears and face
- Long sleeved shirts and long pants when possible
- Dark, dense fabric blocks UV rays more efficiently than loose-fitting, light fabric
