Protect your skin this spring in Georgia
If you love being out in the sun, springtime in Georgia presents a yearly challenge. How can you get out, soak up the rays, and get a sunkissed glow, all without suffering the sun’s damaging effects?
According to Irena Spektor, MD, a dermatologist in The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, Inc., it’s all about balance and good sense.
“A lot of people get excited in spring when the sun finally comes out. People try to soak up as much sun as they can. But that’s a terrible idea,” says Dr. Spektor. “A reasonable amount of sun exposure is fine. It’s just a matter of proportion.”
Why too much sun is risky
It’s no secret that too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to health problems. Those who get too much sun (or those who use tanning beds) can be vulnerable to premature aging, cataracts, and even skin cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. And Georgia’s no exception.
Enjoy the outdoors safely
Using sunscreen is a good start. Dr. Spektor recommends applying an SPF 30+ sunscreen at least every 2 hours. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your sunscreen hasn’t expired.
Protect kids from UV rays
Dr. Spektor also suggests that parents reduce children’s exposure by avoiding outdoor activities in the middle of day. If your kids love to swim, try taking them to pools that are indoors instead of outside.
To keep your kids safe from the sun, you can also:
- Keep children less than 6 months old out of the sun as much as possible
- Use sunblock on children 6 months to 5 years old
- Use either sunblock or a good sunscreen on children 5 years old and up
- When possible, make sure kids wear hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
To learn more about choosing a good sunscreen and making the most of it, visit our Sunscreen savvy page on kp.org.
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