Sun Protection

[WeRJuliian]

Living - and, frequently, camping in Florida, we're very aware of the dangers of "too much sun".

We're coming into the season when the UV index goes through the roof, and we start to see the painfully red and peeling tourists coming off the beaches. You can spot the locals * - we're the ones who keep our clothes on :-)

Another issue is the risk from long-term exposure, so I'm curious as to what precautions other outdoorsy folks take, aside from buying sunblock in gallon jugs ?
My hair would best be described as "silver with big pink patches", these days, so a hat is an essential.

I"m finding the early mornings to be the most attractive times.. a cup (or two) of coffee while the sun comes up, before it becomes necessary to retreat under the awning...

* Yes, I know it says "from Scotland" down there, but I've lived in Florida long enough to consider myself a "local" :-)

[WinnieView]

A lifetime in AZ we don't 'hang out' in the full sun between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by WeRJuliian

Living - and, frequently, camping in Florida, we're very aware of the dangers of "too much sun".

That's why we're reverse "Snow Birds" and go to Illinois for the summer..

[Woodworker]

I'm sorry to say that even with growing up in Fl I never used anything and now that I have lived in Ga for about 10yrs I still don't. All the offshore fishing I did, wading the flats for trout and redfish with no shirt on I just never thought about sun screen. But then again in those days nobody did. Other than sun poisoning once I guess I got lucky or it was something in my blood line that helped.

[RogerR]

Look at your local stores, Beals is the best for shirts with sun block or spf or 40 or 50. Lots of people wear "rash guard" shirts that have a high spf.

Wear a hat with a wide brim. Use sunscreen anywhere exposed, especially your head, ears, nose. I didn't for years and now I see a lot of what it causes at the dermatologist.

[ALJO]

Just use a Mexican 'Sombrero" you're in the shade and out of the rain. When moving to a different climate they say it takes 25 years to get adjusted. In cooler temps you can put more clothes on........but in heat you can only go that far.....naked is naked.

[bdreinv]

Been in Phoenix since 1985 thought I did not need sun screen. That was until about 5 years ago. And the Doc cut a chunk out of my left arm about 3 inches in length cancer.Was lucky now I wear long sleeves shirts hat sun screen. And try that reverse snow bird stuff when ever possible. Thanks

[TCNashville]

Been a sun worshiper all my life and thought I was impervious to its effects because of my olive skin. Not. Had 3 dime size basal cells removed from my face/chest. Now I apply SPF 50 anytime I'm out in the sun.

[Roux 'b Doux]

I don't use sun block, I avoid the sun as much as possible. I have Irish/Welsh skin very fair.

I grew up in California where we used things like Coppertone or coca butter to help our tans. I got lucky except once when I got a 2nd degree sunburn, from a sun lamp yet. After that no sun without blisters. I stay out of the sun as much as possible.

This summer going to learn kayaking, will wear long sleeves and a hat (I hate hats) and try sunblock for the 1st time. Sun burn hurts.

[GrumpyDad]

I don't like the heat, so usually when it's sunny, I'm seeking out the shade to keep cool. A big hat helps, as does staying in the shade from around noon to 3 pm.