Sun Sense Steps for Enjoying the Great Outdoors!
- Use a high SPF sunscreen (Minimum SPF 15), that also lists the level of UVA protection. This Critical Wavelength® value needs to be over 370 nanometers (nm). All LUCA® Sunscreen products display a Critical Wavelength® value and exceed the 370nm standard as deemed by the FDA. LUCA® Sunscreens offer the Ultimate in Broad Spectum UVA/UVB Protection.
- Apply sunscreen to dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outside.
- Cover up! Use sun protective clothing, broad brimmed hats and shirts. Seek shade.
- Re-apply sunscreen every two hours to dry skin. (Most people apply less than half of that is recommended.)
- Use common sense and avoid direct sun exposure especially between the hours of 10am – 4pm, when practical. UVB rays or sun burning rays are most intense midday especially in the summertime; but UVA rays remain constant all day and all year long.
Kids And The Sun
There are some facts worth noting about children and sun exposure:
- Fifty percent (50%) of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence.
- It takes only 10 minutes in intense sun for a young child to get a sunburn.
- A person born today is twice as likely to develop skin cancer as one born 10 years ago.
- Sunburns occurring in childhood are a risk factor for the development of skin cancers like melanoma.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies under the age of six months. Consult your physician for children over 6 months
SPF’s higher than 50 provide a false sense of security, making parents feel that it is not necessary to re-apply as often. It is best to use a minimum of SPF 30 and re-apply at least every 2 hours. Apply sunscreen to dry skin at least 20 minutes prior to going into the water.
If a child develops a reaction to a SPF 50 sunscreen, try using a SPF 30 or SPF 15. They will have lower levels of active ingredients that will be potentially less irritating.