Seven Tips for Outdoor Sun Safety
- Choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection. The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays which cause premature aging and sunburn, respectively.
- Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Be mindful of medications you are taking. Some antibiotics and medicines make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Wear eye protection. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce the cumulative damage that causes eye problems—such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration—in seniors.
- There are two types of sunscreens: Physical and Chemical. Physical sunscreen works like a shield and contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreen works as a sponge and absorbs the sun’s rays. It usually contains oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octisalate.
- Water, snow, and sand can reflect and amplify the suns’ damaging rays.
- Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can reach your skin.