What is Sunburn and How Do You Prevent it?

Many Florida residents love being outdoors. Considering Florida is nicknamed The Sunshine State, it is important for residents to understand the dangers of a sunburn, as well as how to effectively prevent getting one.

Sunburn occurs when your skin is exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun for too long, leaving skin red, irritated, and hot to the touch. When UV rays penetrate your skin, they damage the skin and the skin cells underneath, and can possibly lead to melanoma, a potentially fatal form of skin cancer.
There are many factors that contribute to sunburn such as:

• Skin pigment – Light colored skin burns much faster than darker colored skin, but all skin can get sunburned.

• Skin exposure – The longer your skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, the more severe your sunburn will be.

• Age – Infants and children are the most vulnerable to the sun and require extra precautions to ensure their safety.

People who enjoy relaxing outside when the sun is out should consider utilizing the following tips to protect themselves from UV light:

• Use sunscreen generously and often – Use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher at least 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun and reapply every 2 hours (more often if swimming or sweating).

• Dress appropriately – When outdoors, it is best to wear a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers up your skin, such as long sleeve shirts and pants. Wearing light colored clothing is the best option because it reflects the most sunlight. Tightly woven clothing is also beneficial for blocking sunlight.

• Wear sunglasses – Use sunglasses that have UV protection to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays.

At PepperTree Apartment Homes, we have plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, such as our community swimming pool or our beautifully landscaped grounds. If you’re concerned about harmful sun exposure, just make sure that you take the proper steps to protect yourself. If you would like to learn more about our apartments by The Villages, please contact us today or stop by our leasing office and take a tour.