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The temperature’s heating up…and you naturally want to head outside to explore all the natural beauty Colorado has to offer. But before you do, be sure you’re taking steps to protect the skin you’re in!
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic is not slowing down which adds new infection risks for summer recreation. Instead of just worrying about the sun, families now have to consider the risk of COVID-19 during their recreation time this summer.
Some basic sun safety guidelines can go a long way toward keeping your skin healthy and limiting your risk of skin cancer. Infection control measures and testing can help you determine COVID-19 risks as well. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock shares some tips.
COVID-19 Prevention and Testing:
COVID-19 continues to spike across the U.S as more cases are being reported and surges are experienced in the South and Midwest region of the country. As patients plan on short-term travel and summer recreation it is crucial that they get testing and maintain strong COVID-19 prevention.
AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock offers COVID-19 antibody testing as well as swab testing for patients. Any patient just needs to make an appointment online or simply visit our clinic in person for testing.
Testing can help evaluate your current risks, but active prevention is the key to staying safe. Remember the main techniques to reduce infection risks for the novel coronavirus:
- Wear a facemask
- Frequently wash your hands throughout the day
- Limit travel as needed
- Maintain social distancing and work from home if possible
- Use hand sanitizer when out and about
- Avoid large crowds when possible
Why Is the Sun a Danger?
Well, as the sun is shining down and brightening up our days, it’s also emitting what are known as ultraviolet rays. There are three types of UV rays—UVA, UVB and UVC.
Of the three types, UVC are the most dangerous. But that type of waves don’t make it through the ozone layer. UVA and UVB rays, though, do, and they can cause skin damage and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Effects of the Sun
- Increased risk of skin cancer
- Increased signs of skin aging, including wrinkles
- Increased risk of heat rash
- Increased risk of sunburn and damage
What Can I Do to Shield My Skin From the Sun?
Your first and best step to protect your skin is to wear sunscreen on exposed skin. That should be an everyday part of your skincare routine—you’re exposed to UVA rays even on days that are overcast.
Choose a sunscreen that’s labeled as “broad spectrum,” which means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You’ll also want to select one with an SPF of at least 30, applying it to all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going outside.
Sun Safety Guidelines
- When outside, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
- If getting wet, reapply sunscreen more frequently.
- Try to limit time outside when the sun’s rays are most intense, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Seek shade when outside, if possible.
- Wear a lip balm containing sunscreen.
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat to shield your scalp, nose and ears.
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