Dr. Helton’s Sun Tips

Follow these simple rules to protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure.

1- Sunscreen: Wear an SPF of 15 or more that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and make sure to reapply after 5 hours (whether it’s cloudy or sunny outside).

2- Avoid the hottest hours of the day: 10 am - 3 pm.

3- Waterproof sunscreen only lasts about 1½ hours in the water, so reapply often!

4- T-shirts are only a SPF of 7 (about 4 when wet), so make sure that you wear sunscreen underneath.

5- Ask us about clothing that has 100% sun block (it’s cooler to wear because it reflects the sun).

6- Wear sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

7- Wide-brimmed hats provide more shade than baseball hats caps. (Remember the back of your neck!)

8- Suntan lotion is toxic to babies under 6 months of age. Just don’t put them in the sun!

9- There is no such thing as a “base tan”. Tanning beds are worse than normal sunlight.

10- Most of all just have common sense and have fun!