The single best thing you can do for your skin is protect it from excessive sun exposure. For a day at the tournament I would recommend a minimum SPF of 30 – but not all sun blocks are created equal.
Those containing zinc or titanium offer the best protection from UVB and UVA rays. Look for a concentration of at least 5% zinc or 2% titanium. The presence of zinc and/or titanium reduces the amount of chemical in a sunblock and gives better protection across both UVA and UVB.
Be sure to apply the correct amount of sun block. Most people use far too little sunscreen – it requires more than you might think to actually achieve the SPF on the bottle. About one ounce is needed for full body application – this is approximately equal to what would fill a shot glass. For your face, a nickel size amount is needed for best coverage. Apply 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply frequently if sweating. Be careful with spray sun blocks – the application is often uneven and there are frequently large skip areas that can lead to sunburn. I prefer that a spray be used as a reapplication after a primary application with a sun block cream or lotion.
But wait – you say – this week it is cloudy and rainy so I don’t need sunscreen. Well – not exactly. Up to 80% of the sun’s damaging and sun burning rays penetrate cloud. This is how some folks report a sun burn even on a cloudy day.
Parking your chair by a sand trap? (Certainly the sand is where this high-handicapper often finds herself when playing golf) The sand reflects about 20% of the sun’s rays so your skin is at risk even under an umbrella (or if you golf at my level).
Really the best sun protection comes from clothes designed for comfort as well as sun protection. Sun protective clothing provides a consistent SPF 50 that does not wash off and can give you worry free sun protection.
But really I prefer the Ice Fil® fabric that is in the shirts sold at Charlotte Skin & Laser and other retailers –shirts found at equestrian sites such as Dover Saddlery and EIS (equine in style), the fabulous patterns of icikuls brand (icicle – get it?) and super cute and large variety at Sans Soleil. Happy Shopping!! Oh wait this is about golf…..
Enjoy the tournament while being sun safe!!
Sun safe tips:
· Use a minimum of SPF 15 routinely and SPF 30 for outdoor activities
· Apply 1 oz (shot glass size) for full body
· Apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure
· Seek shade and take an umbrella for long periods outdoors
· Wear a broad brimmed hat and sun protective active shirts and swim shirts
· Avoid sun exposure during the peak hours of the day – 10 am to 2 pm
· Look for sun blocks that contain zinc and titanium as actives
