Safety Tips for the Summer

After a long cold winter, most of us are anxious to enjoy the warm days of summer. As soon as the sun comes out we are outside working in the garden, enjoying a game of golf, or just taking a nice long walk. Besides planning ahead for the wonderful warm weather activities, one must also prepare for the effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun on the skin. 
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light (sunlight, fluorescent lighting) can cause sunburn, premature wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and increase your risk for skin cancer. 
We want you to enjoy your summertime activities, but we also want you to take precautions before sun exposure.  Here are some helpful tips to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun:

1)  Try to avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sunýs rays are the strongest.

2)  If you are going to be outdoors, make certain that it is for a limited period of time and that you have effective sun protection.

3) Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with UVA/UVB protection such as our Vu Noon Shadow SPF 30 and Vu Sun Shade SPF 30 sunscreens) EVERY DAY, even on cloudy days.  We also recommend daily moisturization with our Vu Facial Lotion or Vu Day Cream with sunscreen.

4) Automobile windows block out ultraviolet B rays from the sun, but not ultraviolet A rays from the sun.  This is another reason why you should wear a sunscreen EVERY DAY, even in the winter!

5) Try to apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every 2-3 hours, as needed, and especially after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. 

6) Wear a 4 inch wide, broad-rimmed hat and sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants whenever possible.

7) Avoid reflective surfaces.  They can reflect up to 85% of the sunýs damaging rays.

8) Avoid tanning parlors.  The UV light emitted by tanning booths causes sun damage, premature aging, and increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

9) Also remember that certain medications, when combined with sun exposure, can give you an "exaggerated sunburn." These medications include, but not limited to, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin antibiotics, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and medications with sulfa. The best prevention is sun exposure avoidance, using the above-mentioned methods.