Skip to main content

Summer Solstice Sunscreen Tips and Sun Protection

This year, the first day of summer -- known as the Summer Solstice -- is June 20, 2012.  Everything She Wants plans to celebrate the longest day of the year in New York City with a free evening yoga class in Times Square sponsored by Athleta. But with a weather forecast for temps close to 100 degrees, I plan to apply plenty of my favorite sunscreens; the paraben-and-fragrance-free Kiss My Face Sun Spray Lotion, SPF 30 (available at Whole Foods Market) on my body and LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 45 as a facial moisturizer.


Use a broad spectrum sun screen.
Both products have "broad spectrum" coverage, which means they protect against UVB (short solar rays that cause burning and skin cancer) and UVA (long solar rays that cause skin cancer and wrinkles).  If a sunscreen doesn't say broad spectrum or UVB/UVA protection, then ease on down the aisle to find one that does. And when it comes to SPF ratings (sun protection factor; the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn), SPF 30 can reportedly block 97 percent of UVB rays. An SPF above 30, however, only increases in effectiveness about 1 to 2 percent. 

Here are a few tips on applying sunscreen from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:


  • Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands and feet.
  • Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
  • If you don't have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head or wear a hat.
  • Re-apply at least every two hours.
  • Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask a health care professional before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.
  • Apply sunscreen to children older than 6 months every time they go out.


Remember that regardless of your race or ethnic background, during the summer months everyone should apply a broad spectrum sunscreen and limit sun exposure.  Those with pale skin, fair hair and a family history of skin cancer should be especially proactive about sun protection. 


In addition to applying sunscreen, other ways to protect yourself from harmful sun rays is to wear a wide-brimmed hat (Dorfman Pacific has some cute options), wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays, carry an umbrella and stay in the shade as much as possible. It's especially important to limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.  Even on an overcast day, 80 percent of the sun's UV rays  can break through the clouds.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Conway Discount Clothing Chain Closing in New York City

(Tracy E. Hopkins) It's the end of a budget shopping era. Conway discount stores are closing in New York City . As of this weekend, a sign on the sole Herald Square location (34th Street btwn 7th and 8th Ave) says the store will close in "7 Days." Before I relocated to the Big Apple, I was introduced to the discount chain while on a bus trip from Baltimore.  I recall the first time I saw Conway's signature pink bags carried by hurried shoppers in midtown. And Miss Foster, the trip organizer and a bargain hunter from way back, took me to the store for the first time. Conway store in the Fulton Mall./Tracy E. Hopkins When I moved here in 1994, my love affair with Conway continued.  I furnished my first apartment with discount knick-knacks and home goods from the store.  And much to my chagrin, in hindsight, I curated most of my wardrobe for my first full-time job from the long-shuttered 42nd Street and Third Avenue store. One regretful ensemble: Lime green and

Soak Up the Last Weeks of Summer Sun At The Rockaway Hotel

Summer is winding down, but there's still time to soak up the sun -- while wearing sunscreen, chic shades and a protective hat or sun visor, of course. If you're in New York City, The Pool at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa  is a cool place to swim, lounge and discreetly people watch while swaying to beat of ambient music.  It's a vibe! Day passes are available for non-hotel guests Monday through Thursday (excluding private events, 10 am -7 pm).  Located in the heart of the Rockaway Beach community in Queens, New York, the Rockaway Hotel is just a few short blocks from the sand and surf. Besides the outdoor pool,  the  newly built 84,000 square foot hotel offers around 60 guest rooms, a restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a large event space. And it's a nice addition to the area.  When my husband and I visited the popular pool, we enjoyed yummy sips and bites poolside. Lounging chairs are first come, first serve so the early bird gets the spot of their choice. After chilling at t

Giveaway Alert: Switch Gear Interchangeable Jewelry Set!

If you've ever wanted to make your own jewelry, then try Switch Gear . The patent-pending, interchangeable jewelry sets let you play designer and assemble your own accessories.   Switch Gear comes in five different kits.  And Everything She Wants  is giving away the  Chickit Jewelry Set ($75 value) -- which offers 100s of earring and necklace options -- to one lucky reader. The Chickit Jewelry Set includes: 1 pair sterling silver lever back earrings 1 sterling silver venetian box chain necklace 6 pairs of interchangeable hoops, loops, drops, and chains that fit on the necklace and the earrings  Made of sterling silver, red agate, silver pewter, glass, brass, vintage and industrial materials.   Switch Gear was invented by Lisa Monahan, a metalsmith who has designed jewelry and sculptural metal works for 18 years.  The Boston native works with quality metals and precious and semi-precious stones.  Her work is available online and in select galleries and mus