Okay, so what’s the deal with UVA and UVB?
Ah, yes, Ultraviolet A vs. Ultraviolet B. The two damaging siblings. UVA is blamed for aging, while UVB is the culprit for tanning … and also burning. UVB is strongest in summer months, but UVA is constant regardless of the season. UVA can also go through glass and fabric. Thanks a lot, UVA!
What’s an SPF?
SPF=Sun protection factor, and it only refers to UVB. The number associated with a particular SPF is the amount of minutes the particular sunscreen (or block) will delay a sunburn. The SPF 20 sunscreen allows a person to stay out in the sun 20 times longer. But remember, that’s UVB only.
What if my child or I still get a sunburn, despite our best efforts?
Years ago, I was in a beach in Southern California with a friend of mine who had a toddler. She slathered her daughter in sunscreen, and then herself in tanning oil. After a long day in the sun, she came home with a sunburn … minus the spots where her daughter had had touched her with her SPF laden hands.
Sunburn happens. When you are facing it, here are a few pearls to help you deal with it:
- Ice: Believe it or not, this will help if the spot is small enough to cover in ice.
- Similarly, a cool bath or shower can be immensely helpful.
- Anti-inflammatory: A sunburn is like any other inflammation in that it will be helped by meds that reduce inflammation.
- Pure Aloe Vera: In my (anecdotal experience), I can swear by it. I’m not the only one … it is widely recommended to help treat sunburn.
- While I can’t vouch for them, I’ve heard good things about over the counter spray treatments for sunburn. Let me know if you’ve tried them, and what your experience was!
So whether spring has sprung or you’re still waiting, it’s never too late to think about protecting your skin.
