Avoiding Sunburn in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
We see it every day. Someone comes to the beach and fails to protect themselves from the sun and get fried. You don't even know that you have sun burn until you go back in the condo and take a shower for the day. You will look in the mirror and see a red lobster. Getting sunburned can be prevented if you exercise caution at all times. Here are some things you can do to prevent getting sun burned in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
The Truth about sunscreen - Spf (sun protection factor) 15 blocks about 93 percent of all of the sun's harmful UVB rays. Using anything more than Spf 15 is really a waste of time. The difference between Spf 30 an Spf 15 is only 3 percent more. Using an Spf 50 and going up to a total sun block of Spf 100 only gives you 1 percent more protection. The only difference in Spf 15 and Spf 100 is the price. The FDA considered placing a cap on Spf at 50 to keep consumers from believing they were getting more protection with a higher number. According to the science, you need to protect yourself from the UVA rays that penetrate deep in your skin. UVA sunrays cause wrinkling and skin cancer. The best advice is to purchase products with Mexoryl.
Sunscreen Summary - Its simple. Keep yourself protected from the sun at all times. Apply sunscreen liberally every couple of hours. It does not matter if it says its waterproof. Re-apply, Re-apply and then Re-apply. The worst thing that can happen is have someone look at you and say you look like a Ghost "before you rub it in." It is better to look like Casper instead of looking like a Sun Driet Tomato at the end of the day.
Steps to avoid sunburn -
First. Avoid being in direct sunlight with unprotected skin during the hottest times of the summer days. For Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, that is about 10 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. every day. Don't be fooled if there are clouds in the skies. UV rays will burn you just as bad even if you feel like your not directly in the sunlight.
Second. Purchase and use a sunscreen that protects you from UVA and UVB rays. If you have average skin tone, you need to at least use a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15. If you are going to be in and out of the water, you need to purchase sunscreen that is waterproof. If you have Red Hair or really pale skin with freckles, you probably need wear long sleeve shirts and long pants over the Spf 15. You may consider avoiding the sun altogether.
Third. Apply sunscreen to all parts of your body that may be exposed to direct or indirect sunlight. Don't forget to put it on your lips, ears, hands, feet, bald head, neck and your nose. Yes, You may look like a ghost for a minute, but you need to give the sunscreen time to dry. Usually 15 to 20 minutes is good enough. Re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours as needed to ensure coverage. If you go in and out of the water a good bit, you might need to re-apply it more frequently.
Fourth. Wear protective clothing like a long sleeve shirt or a hat. Most beach hats have a large brim. The bigger the better is what we always say. It's ok if you look like Gilligan while your at the beach.
Finally. Wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of the UVA and UBA rays. Those 2 dollar sunglasses you by at the gas station probably are hurting your eyes more than they are helping. Take care of your eyes and protect them. Ask yourself, would you rather walk across burning coals with a pair of flip flops or have a pair of flame retardant boots on? Sunglasses are the same way. Don't ruin your eyesight by not protecting them.
Warnings about sunburn: Always check your skin for signs of skin cancer. Brown spots or abnormal dark spots that are not perfectly round should be checked by a dermatologist. Do not use sunscreen on babies less than 6 months of age. Cover them with umbrellas, tents, clothing or keep them inside. If you have a paba allergy, you need to check your sunscreen before you purchase it.
Easing the pain of sunburn: Take a cool shower to bring down your body temperature. Use aloe juice or aloe vera gel and rub all over the sunburn. Take aspirin or acetaminophen if your not allergic to them. Elevate burned limbs like legs and arms to ease the pain. You may use damp, chilled tea bags if your eyelids get burned. Sleep in cotton or loose fitting pajamas or nude to help garments from being pulled tight on skin when rolling over in your sleep. Stay out of the sun for a few days. If you experience blisters, do not pop them. That will cause infection. Remember how much pain you were in and avoid duplicating it ever again.