Sun Wellness: Safety in the Summer Sun

Enjoy the summer season with your hat in one hand, and this check-list in the other:

Apply sunscreen of minimum 30 SPF.

In fact, applying SPF higher than 30 does not provide much more protection, so use whatever you have! To get proper UVA exposure, it is important to use a product that has a combination of the following: avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.

Apply 1 ounce (about a shot glass full) 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Basic rule: reapply after 2 hours.

Keep extra bottles of sunscreen in your bag and in the car, so you have it available for reapplication.

Cover Up! Hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, pants, sarongs, rash guards are all very helpful to block out excessive sun rays when not swimming. Consider clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30.

Umbrellas and trees are also great for shade.

Hydrate! Fill the cooler with water, coconut water, and plenty of fruits.

Limit alcohol and coffee, as they are dehydrating.

Go off peak! Avoid the peak sun hours - from 10 am to 4 pm.

Try going for an early morning bike ride, or taking in the sunset on an evening beach stroll.