Beach Vacations and the Beach Tent
When on a beach vacation, or anywhere in the sun for long periods of time, overexposure to the sun's invisible rays - ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) - can cause skin damage. The damage can be immediate and long-term, with effects ranging from sunburn, rashes, and cell and tissue damage to premature wrinkling and skin cancer. Indeed, many skin changes that often are identified with aging actually result from damage by too much sun. Knowing this, we still love being in the sun and we still love hanging out at the beach. Accepting that being in the sun can be dangerous, your next step should be to reduce your risk of skin damage from sunlight, by trying to minimize your exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. But wait, those are prime beach dwelling hours. One of the best ways to protect you and your family from the sun while on a beach vacation is to use a beach tent. You can spend many hours at the beach, but not directly in the sun. It truly makes a difference. Of course, you should also use maximum protection sunscreens.
It's important to understand the labeling information on sun protection products and shop carefully before heading to the beach. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) carefully monitors advertising claims in this area and offers this information to help you make wise purchasing decisions.
Sunscreens
Most people benefit from sunscreens with sun protection factor (SPF) numbers of 15 or more. The SPF number gives you some idea of how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen and you apply a liberal dose with a SPF number of 15, you should be protected from sunburn for 150 minutes. Sunscreens with SPF numbers higher than 15 may work better for people who are fair-skinned, live at high altitudes, work or play outdoors much of the day, or perspire heavily. Swimming and perspiration reduce the actual SPF value of many sunscreens - even those that are water-resistant - so you have to reapply the product often. Although sunscreens with identical SPF numbers give you equivalent sunburn protection from UVB rays, no sunscreen product screens out all UVA rays. Some may advertise UVA protection, but there is no system to rate UVA protection yet. Hanging out under a beach tent will drastically reduce both the UVA and UVB rays that hit you. To get the maximum protection from your sunscreen, apply at least one large handful about 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply after swimming, toweling dry or participating in any vigorous activity that causes heavy perspiration.
Special Precautions For Children
Experts estimate that a significant percentage of our exposure to sun occurs by age 18. That is why it is especially important to apply sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15 to children's skin about 30 minutes before they go outdoors. Begin this practice early in their life, so it does not seem strange to them once they really begin to think for themselves. Reapply sunscreens after they swim, towel off or every few hours. Infants six months and younger should be kept out of direct sunlight altogether. This is another perfect situation where a beach tent will help. Be sure to still apply sunscreen that is specifically formulated for the little ones.
Ja Brewer owns http://www.theBeachTent.com and has spent many years vacationing at the beach. To learn more about how a Beach Tent can make your next family vacation a lot more fun, visit http://www.thebeachtent.com
Source: www.articlealley.com