Kids are back in school, traffic is back to terrible, most of the fairs are being taken down.
Folks – It’s still AUGUST IN GEORGIA. That means it is hot, sticky and still sunny, and you can still get really bad sunburn. CPR certification classes don’t discuss this, but who cares. Sunburn can lead to ruin, and a little knowledge and prevention can go a long way to keeping your skin looking like skin. It can also cut your chances of ending up with life threatening skin cancer.
I put up this funny picture of a guy that obviously didn’t take sunburn seriously. But one thing sunburn isn’t, is funny. Disregard the sun and regret it.
Sunlight is composed of 3 different wavelengths, 2 of which cause damage to your skin. Sunburn is the visible result of the damage done by these two bad wavelengths (UVA and UVB). The third wavelength doesn’t even reach the ground, it is called UVC. So every bit of sunlight that hits the ground can, in abundance, damage your skin.
The sunburn we are talking about is just the visible damage. This high dose of sunlight can damage the DNA in your skin, just like other forms of radiation.
The lighter your skin’s completion, the longer your are in the sun and the brighter the sunlight, the more dangerous sunburn can be.
Whenever you are going to be in the sun, please prevent sunburn by doing the following:
- Cover your skin – more than less
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that will filter UVA and UVB
- Use a minimum of SPF 15
- Use your head – you can’t stay out in the sun all day and not suffer!
Sunburn is serious business.
80% of Americans report being sunburned once every year.
Chances of serious skin cancer doubles when you get have sunburn more than 4 times. Just about all of us could report that.
If you don’t care about sunburn, perhaps you care about the after effects?
- Age Spots
- Uneven skin tone
- Sagging and deep wrinkles
Sunny season isn’t over just because the kids are back in school. Take care of your skin – Run from Sunburn!