At Fin & Field we are all about being outside. Hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping are all things that take place in the great outdoors and in the sun. So as sportsmen we are all responsible for protecting ourselves from harmful solar rays. You probably have your sunscreen routines and beliefs about what you are doing to keep yourself safe. Are you sure your aren’t buying into one of the many sunscreen and sunburn myths out there? Maybe you can learn something new from this list of sun tips.
Sunburn Facts:
- 80% of UV rays penetrate cloud cover, wear sunscreen on cloudy days to prevent surprise sunburns.
- Redness from a burn peaks 12-24 hours after sun exposure, so when you first notice redness you are more burned than you think.
- Some people can burn within 15 minutes of sun exposure, especially when the UV Index is high.
- The UV Index is a measure of how “intense” the sun is.
- The UV Index is higher in the summer months, higher in the middle of the day, and it is higher when you are close to the equator.
- Aloe wont help heal the sunburn but can treat the symptoms.
- If you form blisters keep the area clean, infection is a risk.
- One bad burn raises your risk of skin cancer.
- Skin cancer can form anywhere, not just sun exposed areas.
- Window glass only prevents UVB (burning) rays not UVA (aging) rays.
- 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer.
Sunscreen Facts:
- Everyone needs sunscreen, regardless of age and race. The absolute darkest skin tones are the equivalent of SPF 13.4, they will still be susceptible to accelerated aging and cell damage.
- You need to use broad-spectrum sunscreen – We now know there are two damaging wavelengths, UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays that we need protection from.
- The SPF only refers to UVB protection, soon we may be able to see the UVA protection value on the sunscreen label as well.
- Most dermatologists agree that you need to use SPF 30 or higher.
- There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen, FDA now prevents that word from being used because it is misleading. Now “water-resistant” is what will appear on the label with a time measure like “for 40-80 minutes”. Reapply at least every 2 hours if you have been swimming.
- Most people don’t put sunscreen on their lips but they are exposed to the elements too. Find a lip balm with sun protection that you like.
- The FDA does not apply its regulations on testing and standardization to spray-on sunscreens, if you chose a spray-on sunscreen make sure not to under apply it and avoid your face so you don’t breathe in the propellant.
- FDA requires sunscreen to have a 3 year shelf life before it looses potency.
- Zinc & Titanium Dioxide are the safest active ingredients, be wary of anything else.
- Some people are concerned about getting enough vitamin D so they go without sunscreen. Sunscreen DOES lower vitamin D absorption but DOES NOT prevent you from getting ENOUGH vitamin D especially when combined with vitamin D in your diet. Do not use Vitamin D as an excuse to go light on sun protection.
- Sunscreen doesn’t prevent all skin damage, in fact studies suggest it may not play a large part in curbing skin cancer rates. That is why physical blockers are so important. Wear a hat, buff, sun shirts and pants. Look for clothing with a high UPF rating.
Recommended Products:
Watermans SPF 50+ Aqua Armor Broad-spectrum, water resistant for 80 minutes, Zinc formula
Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Island Sport – SPF 30 Broad-spectrum, non-greasy
Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen Spray, SPF 85+ Great for reapplying, Goes on wet skin, PABA free
Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Face, SPF 70 No sting!, oil free, PABA free,
Sunsect Insect Repellent and Sunscreen in one!
About Fin & Field
#FinandField #FYNA #DreamBig2016
Fin & Field is all about finding your next adventure. We’re working hard to provide the most comprehensive listing of services, reviews, and far reaching community available to help you take the guesswork out of planning your next adventure.
We believe in the ethical pursuit of hunting and fishing adventures and support taking from the land only what you can use and leaving it in better shape than you found it.
Tight Lines & Happy Hunting!
Visit us at www.finandfield.com
