Summer is here, but are you staying "sun safe?"

 
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Written by Sasha Campbell and Susan Barney

Summer 2018 is well underway, and we can imagine many of our fellow Coloradans are taking advantage of the beautiful weather and longer days by engaging in a variety of outdoor activities and attending myriad local festivals. While everyone is out enjoying the sunshine, however, it is important to ensure your skin is properly protected – especially given our community’s higher altitude and average UV index of 9. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a UV index of 9 poses a “very high risk of harm from unprotected skin exposure.” [i]

That is why we want to provide our neighbors with the following tips to ensure you stay “sun safe” all summer long:

  • Use Sun Protection Daily with SPF 30: Given the higher altitude and UV index, Denver residents should use sun protection of at least SPF 30 every day, making sure to apply at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapplying every two hours thereafter. For use in daily creams, products with SPF 15 to SPF 30 are ideal for protecting your skin. For parents, you may want to consider sunscreen spray to protect your child. If possible, try to minimize exposure to the sun between 10:00am and 4:00pm given the high UV index.
  • Speak with Your Pharmacist About Skin Sensitivity: It should be noted that certain medications, like some antibiotics, antidepressants and antihistamines can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Be sure to speak with your pharmacist about additional precautions you may need to take to ensure your skin is properly protected in the sun if you’re taking certain medications.
  • Apply Water-Resistant Sunblock for Outdoor Activities: If you participate in a high-intensity outdoor activity like biking or running where you’ll be sweating excessively, use a sunblock that is water-resistant. In general, look for products that include ingredients such as zinc and titanium in mineral-based sunscreens, and avobenzene, homosalate, and octisalate in chemical-based sunscreens.
  • Treat Sunburn with Aloe and Healthy Hydration: If you do get a sunburn, get out of the sun immediately. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, take a cool bath, and blot your skin dry. Then apply an aloe-based gel to help cool and ease the painful burning of the skin. There are also cooling sprays available to help moisturize your skin. If your skin is severely blistered, seek help from a medical professional
  • Avoid Exfoliating Products to Prevent Skin Infections: As a sunburn begins to heal, the skin will begin to peel. During this time, avoid any exfoliating products, gloves, puffs and wash cloths, which can carry bacteria or mold and potentially cause skin infections. To keep your skin moisturized, use gel-based moisturizers and hydrating mists. Ultimately, patience is the name of the game – you need to allow time for your skin heal. During this time, it’s best to avoid re-exposure to the sun over extended periods of time. 

Ultra Violet rays can be very damaging to the skin if proper precautions are not taken. In as little as 10 minutes, UV rays can cause skin to redden, lose moisture and thicken. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to permanent changes in skin pigment and even some forms of cancer. Remember to protect your skin with SPF every time you go outside and you’ll be “sun safe” the entire summer.

Sasha Campbell, Walgreens Beauty Consultant in Highlands Ranch

Susan Barney, Walgreens Pharmacist in Highlands Ranch

Walgreens, a trusted provider in communities since 1901, has joined The Skin Cancer Foundation on the road this year in support of its Destination: Healthy Skin mobile education program – a national effort to educate consumers about the importance of effective sun protection for skin cancer prevention, and the importance of early detection. During the nationwide tour, consumers will have the opportunity to enter an innovative, customized RV with private exam rooms where trained dermatologists will provide FREE full-body skin cancer screenings. The RV will be in Denver Tuesday, July 17 and Wednesday, July 18. For more information on Destination: Healthy Skin visit: https://www.destinationhealthyskin.org/tour-schedule/    

[i] Sun Safety Monthly Average UV Index, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Last accessed: July 10, 2018. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/sun-safety-monthly-average-uv-index#tab-7.