Sun safety tips for the summer

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis explains how to protect your skin when the sun is scorching

With the hot summer weather rolling in, there’s no better time to get outside; however, the CEO and Chief Medical Officer of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit says those who will be spending time outdoors this summer, should take precautions before they soak in the sunrays.

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, A.K.A. Dr. Paul, joined CTV’s Your morning Ottawa on Wednesday to offer some sun protection advice.

Sunscreen is key

The best way to stay safe while enjoying time in the sun is to use sunscreen, Dr. Paul says.

As Dr. Paul explains, sunscreen will block harmful UV rays that emit from the sun.

“Now, why are we worried about those rays?” he said. “Because long-term exposure causes cancer, no question about it — it’s the leading cause of skin cancer.”

According to Dr. Paul, damage from sun exposure accumulates over time.

“So, a lot of people, that had sunburns and were in the sun a lot young, later on in life develop can develop skin cancer,” he said.

What to look for in a sunscreen?

When purchasing a sunscreen, people should consider the Sun Protective Factor, or SPF.

“What we recommend, is minimum 30,” Dr. Paul said. “That is quite important.”

In addition to minimum SPF 30, Ottawa Public Health recommends seeking out sunscreens with the terms “broad spectrum” and “water resistant.”

When to apply sunscreen?

According to Ottawa Public Health, people should protect their skin from the sun when the UV Index is 3 or higher. As Dr. Paul explains, the UV index typically highest around mid-day.

“In Canada, during the summer months, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the peak period of the dangerous waves — UVA, UVB sunrays — so that’s when you’re really need to be careful,” Dr. Paul said.

Dr. Paul says its best to apply sunscreen inside, about fifteen or twenty minutes before heading out the door.

Ottawa Public Health says sunscreen should be applied to all areas of the skin not covered by protective clothing. SPF lip balms can be applied to the lips.

The organization says the average adult needs approximately two to three tablespoons of sunscreen to cover their body, and approximately a teaspoon of the cream to cover their face and neck.

Dr. Paul says it’s important to reapply sunscreen often, even if the sunscreen is labelled water resistant.

“We should be reapplying every couple of hours. Especially, if you’re sweating and swimming,” he said.

How to keep infants protected?

Children younger than six months old should not use sunscreen, Dr. Paul says. Instead, parents should keep their young ones in the shade and consider using strollers with canopies.

Additionally, Dr. Paul recommends equipping infants with brimmed hats and long clothing that will keep UV rays off their body — clothing that people of all ages should consider wearing when outside in the sun.

Use proper eye wear

UV Rays can also harm people’s eyes, which is why Ottawa Public Health recommends wearing eye protection in the form of UV protective lenses and wide brimmed hats.

Eye protection should be worn year-round and might be required even when skin protection is not, Ottawa Public Health says.

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