Sun Protection Help

[TickTockMan]

I will be going to California soon during the summer. I am worried about getting sun burned because I tend to really burn when I burn. I was wondering if anyone has some tips to keep me from burning.

While in California I want to keep my head and face shaved. Because it will be so hot I don’t want to wear a hat because it will make me over heat. My brother says I should anyways. Do you think wearing a hat would be a good idea? Also how do I know I am picking the right sun block lotion?


Thanks

 

[medic1]

In extreme temperatures, it is always advisable to wear some form of headgear, a baseball cap for instance. The sun block you should use is one of the higher factors, or numbers. The best thing to do, is to consult a pharmacist on your skin-sensitivity, they will be able to recommend which number sun-block would be the most appropriate.
Another very good idea is to wear proper UV protection sun-glasses, and always remember to keep yourself hydrated, it is not unusual to lose over 2 gallons of body fluid, in extreme heat, and in a very short time. Enjoy California, but always carry water with you and drink on a frequent basis.

 

[Orlandude]

With sun block products, the higher the SPF rating, the higher the protection. It is clearly marked on all sun block products. If you have fair skin or you easily burn, I would recommend an SPF 30 or 50+. Nothing lower. I’m in Florida but lived in California for a few years and you have to be careful out there. Here in Florida, it’s easier to feel the heat because of the humidity down here. In California, there is hardly any humidity, It’s a very dry climate and it could be 100 degrees (which it is sometimes in the summer) and you really don’t notice it…but it will FRY your skin. Californians are extremely health conscious for the most part and you’ll see sun block everywhere. Buy a good quality brand, not the cheap stuff. The better brands have moisturizers in them as well. Hats are cool. If you have concerns then, by all means, wear a hat. Also get a pair of UV blocking sunglasses. Have fun out there and don’t sit in the sun too long…especially between Noon and 4pm!!

 

[KaraBulut]

Are you planning on being outside in the sun- like at the beach or by the pool? Or are you wanting a sunscreen for walking around and for spending time outdoors?

 

[TickTockMan]

^We will be at Disneyland and California Adventure walking around mostly. We will be in the pool some though.

 

[KaraBulut]

^We will be at Disneyland and California Adventure walking around mostly. We will be in the pool some though.

For the amusement parks, a combination of a sunblock and sun avoidance should help. Climates like Anaheim are warmer than the areas near the beach but because it is dry and windy, it's easy to lose track of how much time you've been out in the sun. So, for outdoor activities:

• Apply sunblock. Neutrogena makes a sheer block that dries in place and will last for a while. You apply it in a thin layer to any area that will have sun exposure. Take the tube with you and refresh it if it rubs off during the day.
• Get an early start. The later in the day, the more intense the sun.
• Wear layers. It can be chilly in the morning and evening. Make sure that you don't end up with a tank top or short-sleeve Tshirt as your only option when you take off the top layer. A light hoodie, a light long sleeve shirt with a collar and a T-shirt gives you the ability to remove the top layer when it gets warm and then unbutton the shirt as it warms up. The shirt will keep your neck and arms covered.
• If you're going to be out in the sun for long periods, wear a hat with a brim that protects your head (the scalp will burn like all skin burns) and your face. A net baseball cap or straw fedora are light enough to keep your head cool but dense enough to block the sun.

For areas with water, you want to apply sunblock at the beginning of the day and then reapply constantly throughout the day. Where a lot of people go wrong is that they apply sunblock or sunscreen in the morning and then it washes away with swimming and sweating. There are spray-on products that you can use to refresh your coverage periodically. Your best bet, though is to stay out of direct sun- take advantage of umbrellas and cabanas so that you see the water, enjoy the breeze but you're not in direct sun for long periods of time.

 

[TickTockMan]

Thanks for the posts.

 

[Kulindahr]

That far south, you should have some sun screen on before you go out at all. My last time in Cali, I put on a moisturizing SPF 8 first thing in the morning, and followed it with SPF 15 at noon. If I was out after two, I went up to a 30, back to a 15 after five.

As for a hat, a planter's hat, something like this:

but with mesh sides so air can blow through is what I found best.

 

[TickTockMan]

We'll I am on vacation now and my arms and hands are baking from the sun. Everywhere else is just fine. I am wearing sunscreen 55, but it is not working for my arms and hands. Any ideas to make me hurt less?

 

[Benvolio]

Once you are burned, sunscreen might prevent further damage but not eliminate the pain. There are sunburn creams at the drug store to reduce the pain. It should contain an oil to reduce dryness. Some people like Aloe Vera for sunburn. Any drug store has it in the sun department. Wear long sleeves as much as possible.

 

[KaraBulut]

We'll I am on vacation now and my arms and hands are baking from the sun. Everywhere else is just fine. I am wearing sunscreen 55, but it is not working for my arms and hands. Any ideas to make me hurt less?

Keep in mind that sunscreens don't stop the effects of the sun- they just slow it down. If you're feeling a burning sensation, then your skin is reacting to other wavelengths of sunlight. Sunscreens block only a partial spectrum even you're using a block like titanium oxide or zinc oxide.

You may want to use clothing layers as mentioned in my earlier post. The only way to completely block the sun's energy is to wear long sleeve clothing like an oversized cotton button-front shirt.

 

[Kulindahr]

We'll I am on vacation now and my arms and hands are baking from the sun. Everywhere else is just fine. I am wearing sunscreen 55, but it is not working for my arms and hands. Any ideas to make me hurt less?

See if you can find pure aloe vera in a large bottle, and as pure as possible a vitamin E lotion. Apply them generously during and after sun -- they can be absorbed through most sunscreen products. Both help skin cells resist and repair sun damage, and also moisten the skin.

Additionally, drink milk! I forget why, but it also helps your skin -- and in fact in you get burned, bathing in cold milk can work wonders.

Whatever you do, don't take painkillers except if you need them for sleep.

Regarding sunscreen itself, apply it the way the joke goes about voting: early and often. It should go on fifteen or twenty minutes before you get into the sun! Also apply it generously; the experts say that when you put it on, for full effectiveness it should be thick enough you can't see your skin until it absorbs.

Also, don't just sit in the sun. At that latitude, you should only be in the sun for activities. Otherwise keep your skin cool -- in fact, I always keep my aloe and vitamin E lotions on ice, so when they go on they counteract the sun's heat.

 

[TickTockMan]

Thanks guys. I bought some aloe and switched sunscreens so I am much better. I also am wearing my jacket for as long as I can stand it to keep my arms covered.

 

[deksman2]

Its actually recommended to get about 10 to 15 mins of sun exposure on most of your skin for adequate Vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin (on a daily basis during the sun).
Sunblock creams prevent this from happening.
I would personally recommend you get 15 mins of sun exposure on most of your skin between 10am and 3pm, and the rest of the time you could apply the sun protection cream.