Health professional breaks down the importance of sunscreen

SUPPLY, NC (WWAY) — With many people planning to enjoy the outdoors for Memorial Day weekend, it is important to remember sunscreen to prevent sunburn or sun poisoning. 

Karen Laird is a nurse practitioner with Novant Health Pediatrics Brunswick.  

She says sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months old. If they are outside, keep them in the shade, cover their head with a hat, and dress them in a sun-shirt to keep them covered. 

For everyone else, above the age of 6 months old, if you are planning on being in the sun Laird says to reapply SPF 15 to 30 every two hours or after swimming to stay protected. 

“Protection is key and protection is putting on sunscreen. I prefer anything 15 to 30 is a total block for kids too, 15 to 30 maybe a 45 on the face. Zinc oxide on the ears or nose, sunscreen with zinc oxide,” Laird said.  

Laird adds the sun’s rays are the strongest from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. If you are in the sun, in addition to broad spectrum sunscreen wear sunglasses, a hat, and use an umbrella for shade. She adds if you are planning on going outside, it is better to put sunscreen on prior to being in the sun. 

If you have sun poising, you want to stay cool and you can take Tylenol or Motrin.

If you are blistering or peeling from sunburn and getting physically ill, it is important to get in contact with your doctor.