Spring Break Sun Safety

With spring break and warmer days right around the corner, many people are starting to daydream about spending hours having fun in the sun. The sun is not only central to long days at the pool, picnics in the park and afternoons at the lake, it brings a bevy of health benefits. Fresh air and sunshine are credited with:

• Increasing melatonin production, which improves sleep
• Reducing stress
• Fighting off depression
• Strengthening your immune system
• Producing Vitamin D, which helps calcium absorption for stronger and healthier bones
• Helping maintain a healthy weight

Even with its many benefits, there are some health risks that go along with spending time in the sun. As you begin planning your spring break and summer adventures, it is best to keep the positives and the warnings in mind.

The Sun and Your Health

Risks from the sun can happen on sunny days or under cloud cover. Some of the risks present immediate health concerns, while other risks present health threats in the long-term. Risks include:

Sunburn. A sunburn is a common skin injury caused by excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The injury happens when UV radiation directly damages the skin cells, triggering an inflammatory response. The damaged cells die and shed, which is what causes the peeling and flaking of skin. Sunburns can happen even on cloudy days and, over time, excessive sun exposure and sunburns can lead to premature skin aging and skin cancer.

Dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body loses too many fluids and electrolytes. On hot days, dehydration can happen when you do not take in as many fluids as you are losing. If a person loses up to five percent of their body water, they may experience dizziness or fatigue. After losing ten percent, a person will experience confusion and possibly seizures.

Heat Exhaustion. Dehydration, combined with too much exposure to the sun or to heat, can cause heat exhaustion. This condition usually occurs on hot, summer days or when a person has overexerted themselves in the sunshine. Drinking alcohol or caffeine in the sun can increase the risk of heat exhaustion.

Hyponatremia. This lesser-known condition is the opposite of dehydration. Sometimes called “water intoxication”, hyponatremia can occur when you lose a lot of water through sweat, but do not replace lost sodium when you rehydrate. This can happen when your body loses too much fluid, but you only drink water to replace the loss. Unless you also replace the sodium your body has lost, you are at risk for headaches, muscle weakness, confusion, irritability, loss of appetite and fatigue.

Heatstroke. This condition is also known as sunstroke and it is a severe form of heat exhaustion. When you have heatstroke, the body’s core temperature rises to above 104-degrees. Heatstroke can be caused by excessive exertion in hot temperatures or by conditions that interfere with your body’s ability to regulate its temperature.

Tips for Sun Safety

To enjoy all the benefits of the sun, while having a fun and safe time outdoors, here are some tips for sun safety based on recommendations from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• Apply a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. Re-apply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that offer UV protection.
• Wear protective clothing that is light and breezy.
• Try to avoid time in the direct sun during the hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest; this occurs between 10 am and 2 pm.
• Be cautious near water, snow and sand as these surfaces can reflect the sun’s rays and intensify their effects.
• Use lip balm with SPF 15 to protect your lips.
• Drink water throughout the day; do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Eat foods with a high water content, such as fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid alcohol.

After a day of fun in the sun, check your skin. Most sunburns are mild and will heal without intervention. However, if you are concerned about a serious burn or begin to notice changes in your skin or your overall health, it is a good idea to seek guidance from a medical professional.

Looking and Feeling Great

At AesthetiCare Med Spa, your health is our top priority. At both our Liberty and Leawood locations, we offer specialized products to help keep you safe while you have fun in the sun and to treat your skin after you catch some rays or for every day protection.

For Day-to-Day

Alastin – HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 is perfect for daily wear and protecting your skin against both harmful UVA/UVB rays and environmental pollution.

For a Day at the Beach

Elta MD – UV Clear 46 is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

For Everyone

Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, Skinbetter-sunbetter Advanced Mineral Protection Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 offers broad spectrum protection alone or under make-up.

Visit our shop online or come in today to check out these products and many more.

Interested in learning more about AesthetiCare? Through our services and treatments, we are able to help our clients feel, live and look happy and healthy! Our med spa provides:

• Body Contouring
• Skin Rejuvenation
• Injections
• Body Services
• Exfoliation Treatments
• Permanent Makeup

Contact us today to set up a consultation and take the first step to a healthier you!