sun 101

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UVA AND UVB RAYS?

UVA and UVB rays are ultraviolet radiation (part of the light spectrum) that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet rays are shorter than visible light, which is why you can ’t see them with your naked eye.

UVB rays hit your skin ’s surface and can turn you lobster-red. Ouch! UVA rays have longer wavelengths than UVB and can penetrate deeper into your skin, causing aging and long-term damage. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. Double ouch!

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM THE SUN ’S HARMFUL RAYS?

• Avoid the sun ’s strongest rays and seek shade between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
• Sunscreen doesn ’t have a seasonal preference: Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring –wear sunscreen year-round.
• Listen and look: Don ’t neglect your ears, eyes, lips, and nose. These facial areas are often overlooked and need coverage, too.
• Watch out for the trucker ’s arm! Your left arm often rests on the door ledge by the window when you drive. Arm yourself with sunscreen.

Doing yard work? Taking a stroll? Wear a broad-brimmed hat and protective clothing. Hold the fabric up to a light; if the light doesn ’t shine through, your clothing is a sun-blocker. Look for clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or higher. Cover all body areas and use sunscreen as well!

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD

Be sure your child wears a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. When outdoors for an extended time, they should use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Apply sunscreen over your child’s entire body before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating or towel drying. Water-resistant, spray-on sunscreens are perfect for toddlers who won’t sit still.
• Keep newborns in the shade or sheltered beneath sun umbrellas or canopies; use sunscreen on all babies over six months old. For babies under 6 months, consult your doctor before using.

HOW DOES BANANA BOAT® BRAND HELP?

Banana Boat® sunscreen gives you a wide range of moderate to high UVA/UVB protection to help you avoid skin cancer from the sun ’s harmful rays. Banana Boat® sunscreens come in several forms –such as sprays, lotions, sticks (for your face and those heard-to-reach spots like ears) and lotion sprays, as well as in a variety of sizes to meet your lifestyle needs.

Apply a golf-ball sized portion (about an ounce or 2 tablespoons) of Banana Boat® sunscreen lotion to your entire body and your child ’s at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating or towel drying. For sunscreen sprays, spray liberally and spread evenly on the body by hand at least 15 minutes before engaging in outdoor activities *.For your face, spray the sunscreen in your hand and then apply to the face.