June 24, 2025
Author: Penn Highlands Healthcare
The temperature outside is predicted to be extremely high this week throughout our region which can be dangerous. To help prepare you for hotter temperatures, here are three ways to stay safe this summer.
Apply the right type of sunscreen
To ensure adequate protection from the sun’s harmful rays, it is important to apply sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. This will protect your skin from the effects of ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, such as sunburns and skin damage, as well as ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays that can increase the risk of skin cancer.
“Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these ingredients block both types of rays, said John A. Holets, MD, a physician with Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Monongahela, Pa.
Be sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher too. And remember that just because a sunscreen has a higher SPF doesn’t mean higher protection. SPF protection does not increase proportionately with the SPF number. SPF 30 absorbs 97% of the sun’s rays, while SPF 50 absorbs just 1% more. Choose anything over 30 SPF, apply liberally and reapply every two hours.
