Solar / August 17, 2017
Welcome to the Sun’s Dark Side
Learn About the Importance & the Proper Use of Sunscreen
The sun is vital to our existence on Earth. It warms our seas, stirs our atmosphere and gives energy to trees and plants, which provide us with the food and oxygen we need to survive. As our society evolved, so did the sun’s role in our lives. Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar, the wise choice among solar energy companies in San Diego, CA, allows us to tap into the sun’s rays for electricity. In fact, solar is the cleaner and more environmentally friendly way to power your space.
So with all of that being said, it’s important to keep this in mind: The sun doesn’t radiate just sunshine and happiness. It has a dark side, too.
Sunshine & Benefits
First, let’s look on the bright side. Days filled with sunlight leave people feeling happier and more energized—and there’s a reason for this. You see, the sun increases serotonin levels in your brain, which are the chemicals that make you happy. That’s why the sun is known for improving an individual’s mood, treating seasonal depression and relieving stress. Even more, the sun produces Vitamin D, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bone strength. Even getting just 15 minutes of sun exposure provides you with all of the Vitamin D you need for the day.
Shining Light on the Dark Side
The sun can be shady, though. You see, it radiates two types of rays: UVA and UVB. In short, UVA rays are the aging rays. They prematurely age your skin and cause wrinkles and age spots to develop. UVB rays are the burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburn. Overexposure to either of these rays has harmful effects on your body and heightens your risk for skin cancer.
Short-term, unprotected exposure can cause heat exhaustion, which if left untreated, can escalate into a heat stroke. This puts your health at severe risk and requires immediate medical attention. On the other hand, long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight damages your eyes, prevents clear vision and plays a large role in developing cataracts.
But the most common—and the most noticeable—negative effect of too much sun exposure is sunburn. This red, tender skin hurts to touch and, if the burn is bad enough, it can cause swelling, blisters and flu-like symptoms. And here’s the thing: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, even one blistering sunburn can nearly double a person’s chance of developing melanoma and, on average, one American dies from melanoma every hour. So if you want to stop yourself from becoming a statistic, listen up.
Sunscreen 101
It’s not new that using sunscreen can prevent sunburns, reduce the risk of skin cancer and help prevent early signs of aging. But for some, the proper use of sunscreen may be new. For your protection, Mauzy’s team is sharing some tips on the ABCs of applying—and reapplying—sunscreen.
Who Needs Sunscreen?
Everyone. No one is exempt from sunburn or immune from skin cancer. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his or her lifetime.
When Should I Use Sunscreen?
Winter, spring, summer or fall, it’s recommended that you use sunscreen every day you’re outside through them all. You see, the sun emits harmful UV rays year-round. In fact, even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Keep in mind that snow, sand and water reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, which increases the need for you to apply sunscreen.
What Kind of Sunscreen Should I Use?
SPF stands for sun protection factor and it measures how much UVB protection a product provides skin. The higher the SPF, the more of the sun’s rays it blocks. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen that’s:
– Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
– SPF 30 or higher
– Water resistant
How Much & How Often?
Unfortunately, most people only apply 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. Here’s the correct way to apply sunscreen:
– Apply to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
– Generously coat all skin that won’t be covered by clothing.
– Follow the guideline of one ounce—or enough to fill a shot glass—for each exposed area of your body.
– Don’t forget your lips are susceptible to skin cancer, too. Apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
– Reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
See the Sun in a Different Light With Mauzy
If you’re having a hard time visualizing the power of the sun, remember this: The sun is strong enough to efficiently power entire homes and buildings. In fact, countless home and business owners turn to solar in San Diego, CA. The reason for this is because solar energy leads to both personal and community-wide benefits including:
– Lower energy bills
– Reliable electricity when others’ power goes out
– Better health due to cleaner air, water & soil
– Greater energy conservation
– Reduced use of fossil fuels
– Less greenhouse gas emissions
– …And more!
To add another benefit of the sun to your list, switch to solar energy by filling out our online form or calling us at 800.413.6289 today. Trust us when we say that our solar contractors are the professionals you want by your side when you make the switch.
