Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of moving season each year, and with nearly 45 percent of all moves occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it’s safe to say there will be some pretty “hot” do-it-yourselfers out there. Whether it’s a dry heat or humidity-packed, the heat is on across North America, which means that the sunscreen needs to be on too!
If you’re planning a move during these hot summer months, it’s important that you choose the right sunscreen for moving day.
SPF 30 Broad Spectrum sunscreen is even available for kids.
How to Choose
When choosing a sunscreen to use on moving day, there are three important things to look for on the product label.
1. SPF Rating: This is the sunburn protection factor that is used as a gauge of the product’s effectiveness against ultraviolet B rays (UVB). UVB rays are harmful, sunburn-causing rays. If you will be in and out of the sun for more than two hours during your move, choose an SPF of 30 or higher.
2. Broad Spectrum: This indicates that a product is deemed effective against both UVB (skin-burning) and UVA (skin-aging) rays. Only sunscreens that pass the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) broad-spectrum test (providing proportional protection against UVA and UVB rays) may be labeled as such.
3. Water-resistant: Keep in mind that the endless sunscreen options on shelves are not fully waterproof. Even though sunscreen labels claim to be, based on testing, FDA guidelines now make product labels say water (or sweat) resistant for 40-80 minutes rather than waterproof. So, if you jump in the pool to cool off and relax after moving day, remember to reapply.
How to Use
To avoid burning, make sure to follow the instructions on the sunscreen’s label. According to the FDA all instructions read:
• Apply liberally to skin 15 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply after 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, or immediately after towel-drying and at least every two hours.
How Much to Use
When it comes to protecting your skin against its worst enemy, I wouldn’t think you could ever apply enough sunscreen, but a common guideline to consider is using about 1 oz. – golf ball size or enough to fill a shot glass. Be conscious of your body and make sure you apply sunscreen accordingly: backs of knees, tops of feet and hands, earlobes, etc. No exposed skin is safe from the sun.
To avoid being sunburned during a move, apply sunscreen all over.
*Do you have any tips for staying sunburn free on moving day? Please share them with us here.
Also check out 4 tips for summer moving on Moving Insider to learn more.
