The weather is warming up, trees are blossoming, flowers blooming, and we are enjoying more daylight hours. However, the great things that come with spring also come with some potential pains.
Specifically, the Sun. As the Earth revolves around the Sun, its tilt does not change. This means that at certain points of the revolution, certain points of the earth get hit more directly by the Sun’s rays. For us in the northern Hemisphere, that is what’s happening right now, as evidenced by the temperatures getting warmer.
The Sun emits UV (ultraviolet) light. Prolonged or intense exposure to UV light can damage skin cells, causing the human immune system to increase bloodflow to the affected areas, thus resulting in the inflamed red skin known as sunburn.
However, there are several ways to prepare yourself against this warm-weather epidemic. First and most obvious: avoid long exposure to direct sunlight on hot days. It’s a great idea to check the UV index (which can be found on most weather apps) before going outside. For levels of <3, it takes about 60 minutes to burn. For levels 3-5: 45 minutes; levels 6-7: 30 minutes, and levels 8 to 10, burning can happen after as little as 15 minutes.
In addition to being aware of the strength of the Sun’s UV rays, protect yourself from burning with sunscreen. Look for sunscreen with a good SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Anything over 50 is great for the hottest days. For athletes, it’s a great idea to keep sunscreen in your athletic bag and apply before practice. However, it’s never a bad idea to apply sunscreen before you leave the house.
As we start spending more time outside, please remember to be smart about your safety in regards to the Sun. No one wants a bad burn or a wacky tan line. Hopefully this information will be useful in your defense against the Sun’s powerful rays.
Helpful Sources:
https://www.almanac.com/uv-index-scale
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922#:~:text=The%20UV%20light%20damages%20skin,rays%20and%20burn%20skin%20too.
