June 21, 2011 - Summer is officially here and that means more rounds of golf, trips to the beach or lounging around the pool. Using good sun protection techniques is important year round, but this time of year when you are spending more time in the sun and the sun is stronger, it is even more important. Our partner, Sun SafeTee, is sharing these tips:
Most people know that sunscreen is an important part of a sun protection strategy, but did you know that most sunscreens only last two hours? You can’t put on sunscreen at 8 o’clock in the morning and expect it to protect you until 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Sunscreens lose their effectiveness over time by absorbing all of those UV rays they are protecting you from! Also, over time they rub off or you perspire and they are no longer protecting you. That is why at Sun SafeTee we say “Don’t Burn….Reapply at the turn®."
Here are a few more sunscreen tips:
- Be sure to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out into the sunlight. Sunscreens need that time to set up and become effective. Sun blocks are physical barriers and are effective as soon as you put them on.
- If your sunscreen reaches its expiration date ... you probably are not using enough sunscreen! The average person should apply a golf ball sized amount of sunscreen to their whole body.
- SPF ratings are only specific to UVB rays. In order to also be protected from UVA rays, look for a sunscreen that says “UVA/UVB protection” or “Broad Spectrum Coverage."
- A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 blocks 93% of the UVB rays and a SPF of 30 blocks 97% of the UVB. Any sunscreen with more than an SPF 30 rating provides little additional protection. Those higher SPF sunscreens tend to be more expensive and people become very stingy in applying it. You are better off with SPF 30 and using it liberally and reapplying often.
Many golfers don't like to use sunscreen because they are concerned about it getting on their hands and affecting their grip. Please view Sun SafeTee's video "How to Apply Sunscreen in a Golf Friendly Way" to see how you can put your sunscreen on without it affecting your grip!
