Five Sun Safety Tips For Summer Fun

Summer is right around the corner and with it comes higher temps and more play time outside for you and your littles. While we might celebrate the warmth, more time outside means more exposure to the sun. In recognition of May being Skin Cancer Awareness month, we’re bringing you Sun Safety Tips for Healthy Outdoor Fun.

By now, chances are that most of us know that too much sun is bad for our skin. We probably even know someone (a relative, friend, acquaintance) that has had skin cancer. But, just how dangerous is prolonged sun exposure?

According to ABC News, melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) is the most common cancer in young adults and older adults in the baby boomer generation. It’s not always associated with irregular moles; melanoma can show up in people with few or no moles, in all skin types, or even manifest as a bruise that won’t heal. But, don’t be alarmed, if caught early melanoma is highly treatable. And what's even better is that it is preventable.

Check out our sun tips to safely enjoy time outdoors this summer!

Sun Safety Tips For Summer Fun

1. Avoid Sun During Peak Hours

A good general rule is to avoid the sun during peak hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must be outside during these hours, find shaded areas and wear/reapply sunscreen regularly.

2. Broad-Spectrum Sunblock

Apply 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours (more if swimming or excessive sweating). Make sure to purchase a sunblock with broad-spectrum protection that protects against UV-A and UV-B rays. And, don’t forget about your head! There are sunblock options available designed to be applied over hair to protect your scalp and in your hair part.

3. Wear Sun Cover-ups

There’s really no reason not to wear cover-ups these days, there are so many cute options! A stylish sun hat, sunglasses, linen pants, lip balms with SPF will protect your entire body from the sun. Another great tip is to wear makeup with sunscreen built in. My foundation always has a 30 SPF or higher. And, paint your nails! SPF nail polish will protect your often forgotten and highly exposed nail beds.

4. No sunburns

Even one bad sunburn can increase your risk for skin cancer. According to skincancer.org, if in your lifetime you’ve had 5 or more serious sunburns, your risk for melanoma increases by 50%. There is no reason to let yourself burn badly in the sun! Apply sunscreen and take precautionary measures. Never use tanning beds, ever.

Also Read: HAPARI’S Summer Reading List

5. Examine Head-to-Toe

Lastly, make sure to routinely examine your skin for irregularities. Any easy way to remind yourself to check is to mark on your calendar to check your body once a month. If you see any spots, oddly-shaped moles, long-lasting bruises, or other irregularities, visit your doctor. Remember that skin cancer is treatable if caught early!

Once you’re protected, go outside and have fun! Having a sound mind knowing you and your little ones are protected from the sun makes time spent outside that much more enjoyable!

Have questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you! If you liked this post, you may also like these posts: Hapari For The Whole Family, Get Fit and Fab, and Natural Beauty Products.

Sources: skincancer.org, abcnews.com, in-dependent.org