With extremely hot weather forecasted for this weekend, we would like to bring the following to your attention:
Myths
- The sun is only dangerous in summer or on a hot day
- Tanning is safe, as long as I don’t burn –there is no such thing as a safe tan!!!
- Sunscreen will protect me completely from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays
- One or two cases of sunburn won’t result in skin cancer
- People with darker skins are not at risk for getting skin cancer
- Sunbeds are a safer alternate to obtain a tan
Apply Sunscreen Correctly
- It’s important to know the best SPF for your skin-type
- Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and re-apply at least every two to three hours
Wear Protective Clothing
- Wear sunglasses with a UV protection rating of UV400
- Wear protective clothing & swimsuits and thickly-woven fabric hats with wide brims – avoid caps where the neck & ears are exposed
Avoid the Following
- Stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm – stay under the shade of trees or an umbrella as much as possible
- Avoid sunbeds & sunlamps
Use an Effective Sunscreen
- The new CANSA Seal of Recognition logo(CSOR) appears on approved sunscreen products and is a guarantee that the manufacturers of these UV protective products have complied with CANSA’s strict set of criteria
- Be sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of between 20 and 50 & 30 and 50 for fair to very fair skin
- Products usually expire two years after manufacture – don’t use a product that has been opened and used after a year has passed
Visit CANSA’s website for more information: http://www.cansa.org.za/