Summertime is quickly coming, and with it, the fierce Miami sun, and the striving for a golden tan. Promises of sun-kissed skin, can be dangerous traps, especially under the Florida weather. Dermatologists have long warned about the dangers of long exposure to the sun.
“There’s too many of us damaging our skin just to be able to have a nice tan. Some of this damage can be so harmful to us that’s irreversible,” said senior Sofia Yanes.
Compounding the problem is that the UV index in Miami can be brutal, and it’s not at all uncommon to see severe sunburns that could have been prevented with regular use of sunblock.
Still, most people brush off the damage that a few hours in the sun can cause, despite deleterious effects.
I see people who started their day off all pale and ended it looking like a lobster.
— Luciana Hoyos
Tanning beds are not any safer. Many people think that tanning beds are a controlled environment that’s safer than the sun. That’s a myth. The concentrated UV rays can be just as harmful, if not more.
Even with high SPF sunscreens available, the problem still endures: People don’t reapply it as needed.
“I know so many people that either forget or don’t bother to reapply sunscreen,” said senior Mia Hiudobro.
Sunbathers should ideally reapply every two hours, even more if they are swimming or sweating.
Miami has an alive outdoor culture that can easily convince sunbathers into spending days basking. Experts advise moderation and protection such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and always using sunscreen.
Let this serve as a warning, ILS family.
Even as you partake in the great warmth of these months, the sun, while life-giving, requires respect and caution.
