Basking in “The Glow”: Your Guide to Sun Exposure Safety!

Summer is a season of lazy afternoons, beach escapades, and the pursuit of the perfect tan. Yet, amidst the carefree laughter and ice cream truck chimes, a silent superhero prevails: our skin. Like a guardian, it shields us from the sun’s rays while we enjoy the warmth. But before we embark on our summer journeys, let’s identify some things to consider before our day outside.

Our skin plays a crucial role in maintaining a controlled environment inside our body when our external environments are ever-changing. Besides being our body’s largest organ, our skin houses the only cells that produce vitamin D without oral supplementation, according to the National Institute of Health. Vitamin D is the byproduct of sunlight absorption by our skin and it plays a large role in:

• Immune system function
• Regulating cell growth
• Tumor growth suppression

On top of the regulatory advantages, the World Health Organization conducted a study that associated positive mental health outcomes with ample sunlight exposure. But as we know, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Therefore, with great sun comes great responsibility!

After a fun week at the beach, the last thing we want are sleepless nights spent tossing and turning in discomfort. And let’s not forget the swelling and blistering – definitely not the kind of souvenir you want to bring back from your beach vacation!

Prevention is the key to avoiding sunburn, as the harmful UV rays can leave permanent damage to your skin cells. With a few helpful tips, you can have fun AND be sun-safe. Before you embark on your day in the sun, here are a few things to remember:

V – Verify that your sunscreen is appropriate for YOUR skin based on what you know about your family’s history and how easy you bum. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the recommended SPF is 30+.

I – Identify that there is a UV Filter present as part of the active ingredients. (Most will say ‘”broad-spectrum” or “zinc present”)

T – Tell your friends and family to reapply & let dry every 2 hours before getting back in the water.

D -Dress appropriately: sunglasses, hats, long-sleeve shirts can protect the skin from harmful UV exposure.

For more information on how to protect your skin this summer, reach out to the team at Dawson Med at 910-387-3788. We’d love to meet you!