LOVE THE SUN, BUT RESPECT YOUR SKIN
Sunscreen keeps your skin looking its best. Remember that the harmful effects of UV rays accumulate over time, so it's important to make sun protection part of your daily routine.
LET'S TALK ABOUT SUN INTENSITY
The sun is hottest and most intense between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The best advice is to limit sun exposure during these hours, but, at the very least, use a trusted sunscreen like Hawaiian Tropic® if you spend time in the sun. Of course, spending some of that time in the shade always helps.
HERE'S HOW TO APPLY
Apply your sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure. Don't forget to cover your ears, knees, calves, elbows, and the tops of your feet. For lotions: apply a golf-ball sized amount to cover your legs and arms, and a teaspoon-sized amount to cover your face, ears, and neck. Adjust according to your torso. For sprays: hold them 4 to 6 inches away from your skin for proper coverage. Do not spray directly onto your face; spray onto your hands, then apply to your face.
REAPPLY FREQUENTLY, AT LEAST, EVERY TWO HOURS
Sweating, swimming, and towel drying can remove sunscreen from the skin's surface, so be sure to reapply and cover up when necessary.
CONSIDER GEOGRAPHY
As you can imagine, the sun's rays are more intense in tropical and semi-tropical places because the exposure is more direct as you get closer to the equator. The intensity is also greater when you ASCEND: at higher altitudes, the atmosphere is much thinner, so additional protection for the skin and eyes is essential. In summary: choose a higher factor in tropical locations and at higher altitudes.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can still get burned even if you wear a hat or sit in the shade. It's all about reflections: surfaces like water, sand, snow, and pavement reflect the sun and intensify exposure.
SUMMER HEAT
As you may know, UVB rays are strongest in the summer, while UVA rays remain fairly constant throughout the year. For this reason, it's important to choose a higher SPF during the summer months. But keep in mind that daily application is key to reducing the aging effects of UVA rays, which can cause damage over time.
CLOUDY OR FOGGY DAYS?
Yes, UV rays can penetrate the atmosphere (clouds and all) and cause sunburn, so once again, don't forget your sun protection.
MEDICAL ADVICE
Many medications, including some antibiotics, heart and blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and antidepressants, can cause photosensitivity reactions when you are exposed to sunlight. You may experience a "sunburn," a rash, or any other allergic reaction on your skin, so be careful. Individual sensitivities vary greatly, and it may not happen to everyone all the time. It is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before sun exposure when using ANY medication.