Have Fun in the Sun Without Looking Like a Lobster

Gym-tanning-laundry may sound like a good plan to you, but lying out in the sun isn’t as harmless as you think. Following these steps could help you stay safe in the sun all summer long!

The ABC’s of Sunscreen

Apply! – No matter your skin color, daily exposure to the sun or geographical location, everyone needs sunscreen. Apply sunscreen all over the skin 30 to 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours– sooner if you’ve been swimming or sweating heavily.

Broad Spectrum – Sunscreen bottles typically display their “sun protection factor” on the front, but this isn’t all that matters. SPF levels are only systemized to report levels of protection from UVB rays. UVA rays are not included, as a rating system for this has not been created. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen, in addition to at least SPF 30, is the best choice as it covers both types of rays.

Cover Up – It may put a damper on your guy-watching, but staying covered up whenever you can is important. Wearing a hat, sunglasses and clothing on the beach during peak sun hours — 10 am to 3 pm — can keep you safer from the sun. If this cramps your style too much, try and umbrella!

Fake, Don’t Bake

There are plenty of ways to get your tan on without putting yourself at risk for dangerous and deadly cancers.

Spray Tans – As lampooned as they are, for many women spray tans are a good way to opt out of baking. Many spray tan salons offer a range of shades for every skin tone. Not only is it safer, but at salons like Mystic Tan you can get a tan that would take a whole summer of sunbathing! Easy, safe and convenient!

Instant Tanners – Tanning wipes, sprays and lotions can offer an instant glow at an affordable price and at a convenient location — your house! Tan Towels can be applied all over the body, in a circular motion, to achieve a great tone after two hours. Bronzers found in your local pharmacy can help you touch up before a night out too!

Gradual Lotions – If you’re looking for a more natural approach, try products like Jergen’s Natural Glow. With these your color builds up over time, just like a suntan, and is easier to control.

McGregor column: ABCs make skin protection easy

sun damage occurs before age 18. Therefore, it's important to make sure your child is properly protected from the sun.

When your child is outside, remember the ABCs of skin protection:

A: Away. Stay away from the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun's damaging UV rays are most intense.

B: Block. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Sunscreens should block both UVA and UVB. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection your skin has. Apply sunscreen about 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply sunscreen at least every one to two hours. Reapply sunscreen immediately after washing or towel drying.

C: Cover up. Wear a T-shirt, sunglasses and a hat with a visor or adequate brim.

S: Speak out. Talk to your family and friends about sun protection. Make sure your child care provider has sunscreen for your child to use when playing outdoors.

Children younger than 6 months should not have prolonged exposure to the sun. However, if adequate shade or protective clothing is not available, apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to the baby's face and hands.

If your child does suffer a sunburn:

» Put him or her into a cool bath or use cool compresses on burned areas.

» Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain.

» Apply aloe gel, hydrocortisone cream or a topical pain reliever to burned areas. Avoid Benadryl and benzocaine, Vaseline or moisturizers that trap heat into the skin.

Remember to examine your child's skin each month for unusual growths. Skin cancer only partially comes from the sun. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about a growing or changing skin lesion.

Deb McGregor is prevention supervisor for Children's Service Society of Wisconsin's Lincoln County Family Resource Center.