Beauty & Wellness

Stay Protected

When hitting the street or sand for some outdoor activity this season, make sure to stay protected as much as possible to ensure your health is top priority.
Column by Dr. TJ Giuffrida, M.D. | June 17, 2018 | Beauty & Wellness

South Floridians participate in outdoor sports all year long. With the rate of skin cancer increasing, though, how do we play it safe in the sun? General recommendations include limiting sun between the hours of 10 a.m.-4 p.m., wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Moreover, there are some specific tips for the sports we love: Healthy Greens: Golfers get a lot of reflected light from water hazards and sand traps. A good rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen every 9 holes. Wide-brimmed hats protect the neck and shoulders. Court Wisdom: UV-protecting sunglasses are important when playing tennis, as the game has you looking up into the sun often. Reapplying sunscreen after every set is also a good habit. Blocking sunscreens such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are great for the face, while spray-on sunscreens help with ease of reapplication to the body. Running Free: Sun-protective clothing with UPF are a must when jogging due to increased perspiration. UPF indicates how much of the sun’s rays will be absorbed by the fabric. A UPF of 30 means that only 1/30th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin. Open Waters: When sailing or boating, applying sunscreen to the lips and ears is very important. Staying on the boat for long hours puts the lower lips especially at risk for skin cancer. Lip balms with SPF should be used, such as Aquaphor Lip Repair.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
› Dr. TJ Giuffrida, M.D., is the Director of the Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Coral Gables; 3275 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables; 305.461.2000; MiamiDermCenter.com.

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