For black folks Memorial Day is the official kick off to summer. This summer we will all enjoy barbecue hopping, amusement parks, beaches, backyard parties, and more barbecues. Here are 3 items that are absolutely essential during summer.
1. SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen protects against hazardous UVA /UVB Rays.
MYTH: Black folks don’t need sunscreen. Yes, it is true that our darker hue naturally offers protection from the sun and allows us to age gracefully, but it does not make us exempt from sun damage which can cause skin cancer. Aside from that, sunscreen minimizes long-lasting blemishes and discolorations which our skin is more prone to and allows our skin to age even more gracefully.
NEED TO KNOW FACTS:
-UVB damages the outer layers of our skin by causing sunburn; it can also affect the DNA within the skin which can cause skin cancer.
-UVA penetrates deep into the skin and causes pre-mature aging, wrinkles, discolorations, and age spots.
-The number assigned to the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how much longer you will be protected outdoors. For example, if you experience sunburn within 20 minutes of being outdoors an SPF of 15 will allow you 300 more minutes of protection in the sun (20min x 15SPF = 300 minutes of protection).
-The sun is strongest between the hours of 11am and 4pm.
-Apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to sun exposure, because it needs to set into your skin in order to protect it.
-Sunscreen should be re-applied every 2-4 hours.
Ingredients to look for in sunscreen include: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and AvobenzoneAlmay Sun Protector for Body Spray, $6.99
Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion, SPF 15, $8.99 
Burt’s Bees Chemical Free SunScreen $14.99
2. SUNGLASSES
UV Rays are not only harmful to your skin, but your eyes as well. Research has shown that daily exposure to very bright light can cause cataracts (cloudy vision) over time. Make sure the sunglasses you purchase are UV Protected.
Gucci Aviators, $265.99
Prada 19 LS, $179.99
Banana Republic - Sarena, $78.00
Urban Outfitters - First Lady, $14.99
Charlotte Russe - Plastic Aviators, $5.99
3. Insect Repellent Spray
Mosquitoes and ticks are the leading carriers of diseases. One bite from one of these insects can cause you to fall ill. Ticks cause lime disease and Mosquitoes can cause West Nile Viruses and other illnesses. So if you are going to be in wooded areas, parks, etc. Make sure you spray all day. NOTE: Insect repellent can reduce the SPF sunscreen by up to one-third. So increase your SPF and apply more often than normal.
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