Fun in the Sun-Helpful Hints

Dear Students, Staff, and Parents of the Grace King Community,

Spring break is almost here and summer fun is right around the corner! Please remember if you're going to be out in the sun, you’ll need to stay safe! Here are some tips to keep your skin safe:

  1. Minimize sun exposure from 10AM -4PM: It’s best to avoid going out in the sun during this time frame because the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) strength is at its peak.
  2. Wear a hat: Wearing a sun-protective hat is a simple and effective way for reducing ultraviolet radiation to the face, head and neck.The wider the brim, the better.
  3. Wear protective clothing:Clothing helps to block sun rays, so if possible, wear a light-weight shirt.
  4. Protect your lips: Wear a lip balm containing sunscreen with at least a 15, preferably 30 SPF.
  5. Wear sunglasses:Be sure to protect your eyes by choosing a pair of sunglasses that block 99- 100% of ultraviolet rays, both UVA and UVB.

SUNSCREEN/SUNBLOCK

  • Applyinga sunblock with an SPF rating of50 is ideal, especially between 10AM-4PM. Sunblocks are even stronger than sunscreen. Non-protected exposure during these hours would increase your risk of cancer tremendously. The SPF factor should be at least 30 according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
    The higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the more you’ll be protected.
  • Keep reapplying it every 2 hours. Especially if you go into the water. Even if your sunscreen is water resistant you still need to reapply at least every 2 hours.
  • Be sure to apply sunblock 15 minutes before exposure to the sun. Some people only apply it after going outside. This is a mistake since it takes time for your skin to absorb the sunscreen.
  • Be sure that every part of the skin that is exposed should have sunscreen. Ears, feet, and behind the legs are places that you may tend to forget.
  • Make sure it has UVA and UVB protection written on the label or the words “broad spectrum”. This simply means that the sunscreen provides protection for both kinds of rays. The UVA rays are what accelerate the aging effects. Even so, overexposure to these rays also causes skin cancer. Sunburns and skin cancer are primarily caused by UVB rays.
  • Keep in mind that even on cloudy or overcast days, UV rays travel through the clouds and reflect off sand, water, and even concrete. Clouds and do not filter out UV rays, and they can give a false sense of protection.

This is a message from your school nurse. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly at (504) 780-3332. Have a fun and relaxing, but sun safe, Spring Break!

Thanks, Jenny Lagos, RN