Sun Safety Tips Offered by Springfield Board of Health

Applying 'broad spectrum' sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher is a must for everyone who goes outdoors, regardless of skin color, according to the Springfield Board of Health.

The Board recommends staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If a person must be in the sun during this time, sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going out and be reapplied every two hours and/or after swimming or sweating, the Board advises.

It's particularly important to protect children from sun exposure. Consistent use of sunscreen on children prior to 18 years of age may reduce lifetime exposure of certain skin cancers by close to 80 percent. Risk of skin cancer during a child’s lifetime doubles if they get just five sunburns, the Board states.

Children and adults should follow the shadow rule - if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are at their strongest and should be avoided -  or stay in the shade, particularly during midday.

For those who wish to show off a summer tan, the Board advises using spray tanning products, which are safer than the sun. Tanning beds are never advised. According to the Board, experts now say that tanning is as dangerous as smoking cigarettes or being exposed to second hand smoke. Further, those who tan before the age of 30 are 75 percent more likely to develop skin cancer in their lives. 

The Board recommends the “Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap” approach.

• “Slip” on a shirt or other protective clothing to cover as much of the body as possible;
• “Slop” sunscreen generously on any exposed skin, about a palmful or one ounce for an adult; 
• “Slap” on a wide-brimmed hat to protect the neck and face; and finally, 
• “Wrap” on sunglasses with 99-100% UV absorption to provide optimal eye protection. 

Thanks to improved clothing, lotion, cosmetic and protective gear products are available to help protect skin from sun damage. The Board recommends that individuals find what works best for them and then enjoy the outdoors.