Summer is here and the heat is here too! Here are some tips to keep your skin protected from the sun’s powerful rays. Buchheit retail stores have a variety of sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and breathable clothing to keep you covered in addition to sunscreen.  When shopping for sunscreen, do you know which one is right for you?

      Buchheit Lotion Sunscreen Selection

Sun Protective Factor (SPF) in sunscreen blocks Ultraviolet B rays (UVB), which are the cause of sunburns. Ultra Violet A rays (UVA) are related to skin damage, but both UVA and UVB can contribute to the risk of skin cancer. SPF is a measurement of the time it would take to burn if you were not wearing sunscreen, opposed to the time it would take while wearing that particular sunscreen.

Dermatologist James M. Spencer, MD. Claims that SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays; and a SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays. Sunscreens with higher SPF ratings block slightly more UVB rays, but none offer 100% protection.” Most dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 30 or higher. Buchheit carries a variety of sunscreens in traditional lotion and sport that range from SPF 30 to 50.

Photograph showing the effect of applying sunscreen in visible light in UVA. (R) was taking using ultraviolet photography shortly after application of sunscreen to half of face. (Spigget)

SPF products may have a better time protecting against long-term skin damage and cancers. When applying sunscreen, it should be applied liberally 15-30 minutes before going outside so it absorbs properly. It should be reapplied at least every 2 hours but should be reapplied more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. It never hurts to reapply sunscreen and even during a cloudy day or during any other season, you still need sunscreen. The sun’s rays are the strongest 10:00 AM-3:00 PM and during this time is the most crucial time to use sunscreen. The most frequently missed spots are the hairline, behind your knees, feet, shoulders, and ears. Lips are often neglected and you can find special lip balm with SPF that protects your lips from getting chapped and burnt.

Just in case you do get burnt, here are two simple remedies using some products you can find in your home!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Coconut Oil– Clean the burned area with a cloth and cold water. Apply apple cider vinegar to the area and you should feel the heat being drawn from the skin. After a few minutes of applying the vinegar, your skin will be dry. Generously rub coconut oil on the area. You can do this daily until the burn has healed. The oil should help exfoliate while keeping the burn moisturized.

This year, I went to a Cardinals baseball game and had a blast! I made sure to use lots of sunscreen, but realized after the game that the nozzle of my sprayable sunscreen had malfunctioned. I was in the full sun during the game and by the time the game was over, I had the worst sunburn of my life. I got sun poisoning and had tried the traditional aloe, but this was the only remedy that worked for me.

Since my burns were on my face, arms, legs, neck, and one shoulder, I would apply the apple cider vinegar in the shower and just rinse any remaining vinegar down the drain. I bought a gallon of apple cider vinegar from Buchheit and used the entire jug in a span of a week. I recommend this versus regular vinegar because the smell is more pleasant and you won’t smell like a pickle! I had a tub of coconut oil and carried it with me wherever I went. As soon as my skin had absorbed the coconut oil, I would reapply it. It was a sticky mess and my dogs kept on wanting to lick it up, but it ultimately saved my skin and my sunburn healed in record time without even peeling! Plus, it smelled great too!

Another remedy that I have used in the past is using black tea. Fill a pitcher with warm water and add a few bags of black tea. Let the tea bags soak until the water has turned black. Let the tea cool to about lukewarm and dip a rag into the tea and apply the rag onto your sunburn. Let the rag rest on your sunburn and absorb the mixture. Do not wipe off, but when it has absorbed the mixture, you can apply more. The herbs in the tea are great for quickly healing the burn while also making the burn turn into a nice suntan.

Have fun this summer and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!