Sun Protection

It’s easy to get sunburned off the reflected light from water and concrete surfaces like the pools at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch

This is especially true in Arizona, which is famous for its almost year-round sunny weather.

Arizona’s sunlight is intense.

So, you’ll need to limit your exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays not only to prevent sunburn and skin damage but to protect you from developing skin cancer.

• Practice sun protection all year. UV rays can cause skin damage no matter what the season, even on cloudy or hazy days.
• Wear sun protection clothing: loose-fitting long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a wide-brimmed hat made of special sun protective fibers which have SPF ratings. For regular clothing, tightly woven fabrics work best.
• Always wear a broad-spectrum sunblock or sunscreen of at least SPF 15. The higher the SPF the better.
• Many doctors recommend using a sunblock instead of "sunscreen." A sunblock has the added protection of zinc oxide or titanium oxide and is gentler on the skin.
• Choose a sunblock or sunscreen that provides "broad spectrum protection" against both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Apply sunblocks and sunscreens at least 20 minutes before you go outside.
• How much sunblock or sunscreen should you put on? Doctors recommend one ounce of sunblock, which is about a shot glass-size amount. It takes aboutthat much sunblock to cover your body at the pool.
• If you will be using bug spray too, do not apply it at the same time as the sunblock, as the products lose their efficacy. Put on the sunblock first, then apply the bug spray 20 minutes later. Use the products separately. Two-in-one sunscreen/bug spray products are not as effective.
• Check the sunblock’s expiration date. If expired or more than 3 years old, discard and purchase a new sunscreen.
• Always wear a broad-spectrum lipscreen of at least SPF 15.
• Remember to reapply your sunblock and lipscreen, especially if you’re swimming or sweating, and during peak sun hours.
• Do not use sunscreens on babies younger than 6 months. Cover them up with a hat and clothing and keep them shaded from the sun.
• Protect your eyes from the sun: wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection (for both UVA and UVB rays).
• Avoid outdoor activity between the peak sun hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. whenever possible. This timeframe is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• If you must be outside during peak sun hours, seek shade whenever possible.
• UV rays can reflect off of any surface and can reach you in the shade. Always wear protective clothing, sunblock and lipscreen even if you’re in the shade.

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