It’s the middle of summer, and while we here at Assisting Hands in West Austin are just as excited to be outside and have fun as everyone else, we want to encourage you all to remember the importance of protecting your skin from the damaging effect of the sun–especially older folks. It’s simply a fact that you need to take precautions when spending time outside, especially here in hot, sunny Central Texas.

What You Need To Know About Ultraviolet (UV) Rays

The sun emits radiation known as ultraviolet (UV) rays, and there are two types: UV-A rays and UV-B.

Both kinds of UV rays can damage your skin and eyes. UV-A rays have longer wavelengths that can penetrate the middle layer of your skin, while UV-B rays have short wavelengths that reach only the outer layer of your skin.

Minimizing Your Risk Of Skin Damage

According to the CDC, more than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer in the United States each year, and a majority of those cases are found in people older than 65 years of age. As older adults are living longer, there is a need to promote life-long skin health.

Everyone can enjoy the sun safely by learning the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure and taking the proper precautions.

1. It’s important to choose the right sunscreen. The FDA recommends that you use a broad spectrum with an SPF of at least 15 or higher. They also suggest that you apply sunscreen liberally daily, regardless if it sunny or cloudy. And once you’ve found the right sunscreen, you need to apply the right amount. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people only use 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. To cover all the skin not covered with clothes, you’ll need about one ounce. To protect your face, ears, and neck, you’ll need about ½ teaspoon.
2. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible when outside. The sun’s glare is the most intense at midday, so if you’re going to be out between 10 am and 4 pm, try to remain in the shade to prevent skin damage.
3. When you are going to be out in the sun, make sure to cover up. Wear a hat, preferably wide-rimmed, to shield your skin from exposure. You should also wear proper clothing in the sun, including pants and long sleeve shirts.

Efforts to improve sun safety among seniors will likely reduce skin cancer risks in later years and improve quality of life. By following this advice, you and your loved ones can safely enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Central Texas.

Stay Healthy!