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Summer is here, and it is time to enjoy the sun rays. For my family, summertime means family fun and outdoor experiences. I really enjoy the outdoors. My oldest son would rather have a bedroom outdoors!
In May, we celebrated the babies’ birthdays social-distance style with a drive-by party. The kids really enjoyed it. It was great to see so many people that we hadn’t seen in a while.
Before the fun started, I made sure to cover the whole family with sunscreen. It was a great barrier to the possible harsh effects of the sun.
Same Old Sun
The sun provides the greatest source of light for all living things. While out in the sun for even one hour, the skin can become tanned or darker due the ultraviolet rays. If the time is longer, you may experience a sunburn.
Oftentimes, people of color do not consider the long-term effects of the sun rays due to the amount of melanin already in the skin. The darker the skin tone the more melanin it contains. Also melanin causes the skin to tan when it is exposed to sunlight.
The sunlight, over time, can cause dark spots, wrinkles, and lead to skin cancer. We all must take under consideration the amount of time we will be in the sun, the time of day, and available shade to decrease the exposure.
Once these factors have been taken in to account, then let the fun began!
What I’ve Learned
When we go out to play, it is important to use sunscreen. We apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and use it to target areas that are most exposed to the sun. It is important even if you are going for a dive in the pool. The strongest sun rays beaming down between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 pm. This is the hottest time of day. If you are going out, prepare by using sunscreen before leaving the house.
Not all sunscreens are created equal. According to the FDA, there is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. They all wash off at some point. All sunscreen makers are required to include direction for reapplying sunscreen on the label. Some sunscreens provide 40 minutes to 80 minutes of protection while in the water.
An example of the recommended type of sunscreen is, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration. This sunscreen provides the FDA’s recommended amount of sun protection factor (SPF), which for proper coverage is 30 SPF and above.
I can remember the times as a child that I played at my grandmother’s house during the summer. From hide and seek to jump roping, I do not remember using sunscreen.
Now that I have children, I have learned over time it is important for me to protection my two little ones from the sunlight. Summer is a great time to explore the outdoors and make new memories. The next time you plan to spend more than one hour outdoors, look for the bottle of sunscreen at least 30 minutes before. Then go out and have an enjoyable summer day!
