The Florida sun is hot, in all seasons.  Sunburns are a significant factor for the development of skin cancer. It’s important to take steps to avoid sunburns and damage to your skin by too much exposure to the Florida sun.

The best advice is to wear sunscreen whenever you plan on being outdoors. People with sensitive, fair skin should use sunscreen on a daily basis. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Try to avoid the sun when it is at its strongest, between the hours of 10 – 4 daily. Remember, you can get a sunburn even on a cloudy day.

Most weather forecasts include mention of the UV index, a number between 1 and 10. The higher the number the greater the exposure to the UV rays are for the day. Check the EPA website to see the UV index for your zip code. Plan you day outside accordingly.

Don’t forget sunglasses. For best protection, glasses should have a 99-100% UV absorption rating.

FOG, like many Floridians, has a bit of thinning hair and needs to wear a hat to keep that bald spot from burning. Even though a ball cap will work, a wide brim hat will protect your ears and neck a bit better.

We learned that sunscreen has a shelf  life, so you need to replace it if you don’t use it all before the expiration date.  Sunscreen will deteriorate if it gets too hot, so keep the bottle as cool as you can.

 

 

FOG sez:

Don’t do as I did, put on the sunscreen.