Even though it is the fall season, the sun’s rays in southwest Florida are still very strong and can cause a great deal of damage to your skin. Many tourists and “snowbirds” come down here thinking that the sun’s intensity is the same as the region that they came from. It is actually more intense than the sunlight in the northern states and you need to take preventative measures to ensure that you do not burn. Here are some tips:

• Use Sunscreen with at least 30 SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Read the label and make sure that it is “broad spectrum”, this will ensure that it is blocking both UVA and UVB rays.

• Wear clothing while out in the sun. The sun’s rays can penetrate through some light clothing, but it is better to be covered than to have full exposure to harmful rays. Cover yourself while going about daily tasks such as shopping and running errands. This tip is not just for beach-goers.

• If you like to sit on the beach, you will need extra coverage. Pop up an SPF beach umbrella, slather on high SPF sunscreen, and wear lightweight, breathable clothing to cover up. Make sure that if you decide to take a swim that you reapply the sunscreen once your skin has been dried completely.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap to protect the delicate skin on your face. The sun can damage the face and cause premature aging. Wear sunscreen on your face all year ‘round to guard against lines and wrinkles that the sun can cause.

• Buy yourself a good pair of UV sunglasses to protect your eyes. The sun is bright down here in Florida and your eyes can be damaged without you even realizing it.

We hope that these tips come in handy for you when you decide to venture out into the bright Florida sunshine. If you are searching for a doctor in the Lee county area of Florida, go to IPALC.org to conduct a FREE search.