Latest news with #skinprotection
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
We Talked to 6 Derms and They All Agreed: This Common SPF Misconception Is Putting Your Skin at Risk
Sunscreen is easily the most effective way to protect your skin from the sun, which unrelentingly emits damaging UV-A and UV-B rays that can cause cancer and signs of premature aging (like wrinkles, sun spots, and sagging skin). The thing is, you've got to know how and when to apply it well if you want to reap the full rewards of SPF. 'Using sunscreen properly is what really keeps your skin safe,' explains Ellen Marmur, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. 'You should apply at least an SPF 30, apply it generously, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.' There are tons of sunscreen myths out there—like not needing to wear SPF if it's cloudy or that sunscreen in your makeup is enough (both wrong)—but today we're diving into one of the most pervasive out there! Related: 8 Spots You're Forgetting to Apply Sunscreen, According to Derms Myth: If You Wear a High SPF, You Don't Need as Much One of the biggest sunscreen myths is that if you apply a higher SPF—like a 50, 75, or even 100—you don't need to apply as much or as often. This is not the case, and failing to reapply enough every two hours will inevitably hurt your skin. We surveyed six dermatologists about this, and here's exactly what they have to say. Tanya Kormeili, MD, FAAD 'Do not be fooled to think that applying SPF 50 thinly might still give you about SPF 30-level protection. That is not true,' warns Tanya Kormeili, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Derm and Rejuvenation Institute. 'The trick to better protection beyond the choice of SPF number is in the proper and adequate amount that you use. If you don't have adequate protection, you are being irritated by UV rays. It is that simple.' Related: Black Skin Still Needs Sunscreen—Here's Why Brooke Jeffy, MD, FAAD 'Higher SPF does not mean you can apply less or use less frequently. Think of it as a bit of a hedge against our natural tendency to not use or reapply adequately,' says Brooke Jeffy, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. When applied incorrectly, 'you do not get the level of coverage possible from the product and are more likely to experience burns and cumulative damage from radiation that leads to skin cancers, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.' Kseniya Kobets, MD, FAAD 'Both SPF 15 and 100 will get rubbed off or sweated off, and the increased protection assumes immediate sunburn delivered, not over time as it naturally happens,' explains Kseniya Kobets, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. She adds, 'Obviously, applying inadequate amounts of SPF will deliver lower SPF than promised on the bottle, plus it will wear away faster than two hours, putting you at risk for painful blistering sunburn, damaging your skin cells' DNA that not only predisposes your skin to age prematurely, but also increases risk of skin cancers like melanoma (the deadlier one), basal cell, and squamous cell.' Related: Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning? Here's What a Dermatologist Has to Say Alexandra Bowles, MD, FAAD 'High SPF sunscreens can offer slightly more UVB protection than SPF 30, but the difference isn't as dramatic as many people think,' notes Alexandra Bowles, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology. 'For example, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%, a small difference that can create a false sense of security. What matters most is applying sunscreen generously and reapplying every two hours, no matter the SPF.' Ellen Marmur, MD, FAAD 'SPF 30 already blocks most UV-B rays, so it's more important how you use sunscreen than the number on the bottle,' Dr. Marmur says. 'Go for the highest number SPF that you will genuinely use well enough to cover your skin. Now that formulations are more elegant, search for an SPF 50. It's best to use a lotion for your face, ears, neck, and a spray for your body and hands and feet and scalp.' Nazanin Saedi, MD, FAAD 'I most commonly see SPF 30, 45 and. 50, and the difference is admittedly marginal. If you have fair skin that burns easily, melasma, rosacea, or a higher skin cancer risk, it's always best to choose the higher SPF level,' says board-certified dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD, FAAD. 'But regardless of what level of SPF you choose, you must reapply every two hours for it to remain effective.' Read the original article on Real Simple
CNET
14-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
Not Too High, Not Too Low: Here's the Ideal SPF You Need This Summer, According to Experts
This summer, you may be focusing on staying cool and drinking enough water. But there is one product you may be forgetting that is essential for your health -- sunscreen. Especially during the summer months, sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays, which can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. But with so many different SPF numbers out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. We asked a dermatologist, so you don't have to. What is SPF? SPF, or sun protection factor, describes the amount of solar energy needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin relative to unprotected skin, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. Logic would follow, then, that wearing a higher SPF would offer you better protection when you're out and about, basking in the sun's rays. Is a higher SPF better? Is higher SPF sunscreen more protective in a measurable way that actually matters? The tested difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is small, according to Dr. Steven Daveluy, board-certified dermatologist and program director at Wayne State University Department of Dermatology. There was a difference of 96.7% blocking versus 98% blocking, in one example he provided. Research on people wearing sunscreen out in "real life" has suggested higher SPFs are more protective, Daveluy said in an email. Combine this with the fact you're probably not wearing enough sunscreen -- studies have shown people apply only 25% to 50% of the amount that they should, Daveluy said -- and a higher SPF may come out reasonably more protective. "You should use about 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover your head, neck, arms and legs when wearing shorts and a T-shirt," Daveluy recommended, adding that people without hair should use a little more. "That means your 3-ounce tube of sunscreen is only three applications," Daveluy said. "Most people are not using that amount." What is the minimum SPF you need in a sunscreen? The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends your sunscreen be SPF 30 or higher. It also recommends you look for sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection (it protects against UVA and UVB rays) and make sure it's water-resistant. "If you follow the recommendations for the proper amount of sunscreen, then SPF 30 is great," Daveluy said. If you think you're skimping on the layers, though, a higher SPF could offer more benefit. He added that he generally recommends looking for at least SPF 50 or 60. Does skin tone matter when choosing an SPF? People with darker skin tones have more melanin, which does offer some protection from the sun's damaging rays. For this reason, skin cancer rates in people of color are lower than rates in white people, but the risk isn't zero. Research also suggests that people of color may be more likely to experience a missed or late diagnosis of skin cancer, making outcomes more dangerous. (It's also important to note that melanoma can have other causes besides exposure to sunlight or UV rays, and can show up in areas not typically exposed to sun.) "SPF 30 is the minimum for everyone," Daveluy said. He added that tinted sunscreens may be a better fit for darker skin tones, leaving less of a white cast. "If you have very fair skin, the higher [SPF] numbers may be a good idea, especially if you aren't using the proper amount, because you will see the consequences of underuse more easily," Daveluy said. Sunscreen red flags As long as you're wearing a minimum of SPF 30, applying it properly and also looking for products that are broad spectrum and water resistant, you've got the basics down. Daveluy added that for people with sensitive skin, finding a mineral sunscreen with "active ingredients of zinc and/or titanium" may be a good choice. Daveluy pointed out other measures of protecting yourself from the sun, including wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing and hanging out in the shade when possible. But don't forget that sunscreen has a proven safety record going back for decades, he said. "The biggest red flags for sunscreen are any people or reports that try to tell you sunscreen isn't safe," Daveluy said.
The Guardian
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Can I trust my sunscreen? Choice test results have created uncertainty over SPF claims and lab testing process
Sunscreen has been in the spotlight this winter, after testing by the consumer advocacy organisation Choice found 16 of 20 brands failed to provide the level of skin protection advertised on their bottles. With Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, the Choice report left many worried and wondering: can I trust my sunscreen to protect me? Even four Cancer Council branded sunscreens were flagged in the report: its Ultra Sunscreen SPF 50+ was found by Choice to have a sun protection factor of 24. The worst result, though, belonged to Ultra Violette's Lean Screen SPF 50+, which Choice's testing found had an SPF of just 4. While some brands have fiercely disputed the findings, the investigation has prompted debate over the reliability of sunscreen testing, as well as questions over the way these products are regulated. What's going on? Australians love spending time in the sun and sun safety is instilled in people from a young age. So the Choice investigation, with its results published in June, created a storm. Choice tested 20 popular SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreens from a range of retailers and prices in a specialised, accredited laboratory and found 16 of them did not meet their SPF claims. No surprise, the Choice results have been contentious. Choice has said it handed over its findings to the companies before they were released publicly. Some have produced test certificates showing that their product met the claimed SPF using the same testing method that Choice used. When contacted by Guardian Australia, the brands stood firmly by their SPF claims and said they test their products in accordance with the regulations. The Cancer Council said it stood by its previous results but, out of an abundance of caution, has submitted their four products that Choice reviewed for additional testing. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Ultra Violette, the sunscreen brand that had by far the worst-performing product according to Choice's testing, has fiercely disputed the findings. The Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50 plus Mattifying Zinc Skin Screen, a higher-end product that retails for upwards of $50, returned a result of just 4 in Choice's test. A second test returned a result of 5, Choice said. Ultra Violette has disputed Choice's findings very strongly and very publicly. It has taken the step of speaking directly to consumers via social media. One of the brand's co-founders, Ava Chandler-Matthews, posted a video on Instagram in which she strongly disputed Choice's methodology. In response, Choice has defended the rigour of its testing. The SPF or sun protection factor rating of a sunscreen measures how well it protects the skin from sunburn by indicating how much ultraviolet radiation can still penetrate the skin through the product when applied properly. For example, SPF 30 is estimated to filter 96.7% of UVB radiation, whereas SPF 50 is estimated to filter 98%. Dr DJ Kim, a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales' school of chemistry, says the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is actually 'very marginal'. Kim says SPF ratings are given by timing how long it takes skin to burn with and without the sunscreen. 'Let's say that you took 300 seconds for your skin to burn with sunscreen, and then if … it took 10 seconds to burn without the sunscreen, then 300 divided by 10, that becomes SPF 30,' he says. 'So, it's not the most scientific method to measure the SPF factor, honestly.' SPF claims in Australia are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Sunscreen brands must get approval from the TGA to sell their products to Australian consumers. To do this, they undertake SPF testing in accordance with the Australian/New Zealand standard in an approved laboratory. The accepted method is to test sunscreen on human skin. The methodology involves putting the sunscreen on 10 volunteers who are exposed to artificial solar UV radiation. This is the method Choice says it used, working with an accredited laboratory that specialises in sunscreen testing. Sunscreen brands submit their results to the TGA for approval to 'self-certify' that they have tested their SPF claims and that they stack up. The TGA does not usually do its own testing. Dr Michelle Wong, a cosmetic chemist, says she doubts the TGA would have the resources to do all of the testing itself. 'And so, in terms of the regulations, most of the time, in this sort of situation where it's a public body, there is always going to be some level of an honour system,' she says. There are potential inconsistencies in sunscreen testing. SPF effectiveness is measured by essentially getting people to put sunscreens in patches on their skin and measuring how 'red' they get over time. A TGA spokesperson says it is a known issue that there is variability in SPF testing results across laboratories because testing on humans can be highly subjective and the response to a test can differ dramatically from one individual to another. 'While progress is being made internationally toward in-vitro sunscreen testing (for example, not on human subjects), which will improve consistency of results, these methods are not yet in place,' they said. Wong, who is known for her work on social media and her blog Lab Muffin, says in-vitro testing would be easier for the TGA to run in-house, which would limit the variability of the results and stop the potential for fraud at labs seeking to make a profit. She also suggests having a limited number of designated labs that are accepted by the TGA for sunscreen testing. Wong says although sunscreen is complicated and there are 'technicalities' in the testing and regulation process, the most common problem is 'user error' in that people aren't applying enough product often enough. 'Sunscreens, in general, they work very well, and they are very effective at protecting your skin against sun exposure,' she says, noting that a sunscreen with an SPF of, say, 24 still offers very good protection. Not long after Choice published its findings, sunscreen was back in the news for different reasons. Last week, the TGA said it would begin consultation on additional controls for some sunscreen ingredients, including the controversial oxybenzone. The medicines regulator says it has conducted a review of sunscreen ingredients used in Australia and is recommending additional safeguards for three chemical compounds. The review proposes that some sunscreen products containing homosalate, oxybenzone and benzophenone be reformulated to ensure sunscreens meet what the TGA considers 'the highest standards of safety for prolonged and frequent use'. Homosalate and oxybenzone are active ingredients in sunscreen, while benzophenone arises from another ingredient called octocrylene, either as an impurity during the manufacturing process or from degradation as the product ages. The TGA has begun a consultation process to help determine the level in sunscreens at which these ingredients remain suitable for use. A week before that, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launched legal action against the maker of two popular sunscreens over allegations it had misled consumers by falsely claiming its products are 'reef-friendly'. The consumerregulator alleges Edgewell Personal Care engaged in greenwashing. While these sunscreens do not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, another chemical linked to coral damage, the ACCC alleges that they contain other ingredients that risk causing harm to coral and marine life. Edgewell is contesting the proceedings.
The Guardian
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Can I trust my sunscreen? Choice test results have created uncertainty over SPF claims and lab testing process
Sunscreen has been in the spotlight this winter, after testing by the consumer advocacy organisation Choice found 16 of 20 brands failed to provide the level of skin protection advertised on their bottles. With Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, the Choice report left many worried and wondering: can I trust my sunscreen to protect me? Even four Cancer Council branded sunscreens were flagged in the report: its Ultra Sunscreen SPF 50+ was found by Choice to have a sun protection factor of 24. The worst result, though, belonged to Ultra Violette's Lean Screen SPF 50+, which Choice's testing found had an SPF of just 4. While some brands have fiercely disputed the findings, the investigation has prompted debate over the reliability of sunscreen testing, as well as questions over the way these products are regulated. What's going on? Australians love spending time in the sun and sun safety is instilled in people from a young age. So the Choice investigation, with its results published in June, created a storm. Choice tested 20 popular SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreens from a range of retailers and prices in a specialised, accredited laboratory and found 16 of them did not meet their SPF claims. No surprise, the Choice results have been contentious. Choice has said it handed over its findings to the companies before they were released publicly. Some have produced test certificates showing that their product met the claimed SPF using the same testing method that Choice used. When contacted by Guardian Australia, the brands stood firmly by their SPF claims and said they test their products in accordance with the regulations. The Cancer Council said it stood by its previous results but, out of an abundance of caution, has submitted their four products that Choice reviewed for additional testing. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Ultra Violette, the sunscreen brand that had by far the worst-performing product according to Choice's testing, has fiercely disputed the findings. The Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50 plus Mattifying Zinc Skin Screen, a higher-end product that retails for upwards of $50, returned a result of just 4 in Choice's test. A second test returned a result of 5, Choice said. Ultra Violette has disputed Choice's findings very strongly and very publicly. It has taken the step of speaking directly to consumers via social media. One of the brand's co-founders, Ava Chandler-Matthews, posted a video on Instagram in which she strongly disputed Choice's methodology. In response, Choice has defended the rigour of its testing. The SPF or sun protection factor rating of a sunscreen measures how well it protects the skin from sunburn by indicating how much ultraviolet radiation can still penetrate the skin through the product when applied properly. For example, SPF 30 is estimated to filter 96.7% of UVB radiation, whereas SPF 50 is estimated to filter 98%. Dr DJ Kim, a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales' school of chemistry, says the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is actually 'very marginal'. Kim says SPF ratings are given by timing how long it takes skin to burn with and without the sunscreen. 'Let's say that you took 300 seconds for your skin to burn with sunscreen, and then if … it took 10 seconds to burn without the sunscreen, then 300 divided by 10, that becomes SPF 30,' he says. 'So, it's not the most scientific method to measure the SPF factor, honestly.' SPF claims in Australia are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Sunscreen brands must get approval from the TGA to sell their products to Australian consumers. To do this, they undertake SPF testing in accordance with the Australian/New Zealand standard in an approved laboratory. The accepted method is to test sunscreen on human skin. The methodology involves putting the sunscreen on 10 volunteers who are exposed to artificial solar UV radiation. This is the method Choice says it used, working with an accredited laboratory that specialises in sunscreen testing. Sunscreen brands submit their results to the TGA for approval to 'self-certify' that they have tested their SPF claims and that they stack up. The TGA does not usually do its own testing. Dr Michelle Wong, a cosmetic chemist, says she doubts the TGA would have the resources to do all of the testing itself. 'And so, in terms of the regulations, most of the time, in this sort of situation where it's a public body, there is always going to be some level of an honour system,' she says. There are potential inconsistencies in sunscreen testing. SPF effectiveness is measured by essentially getting people to put sunscreens in patches on their skin and measuring how 'red' they get over time. A TGA spokesperson says it is a known issue that there is variability in SPF testing results across laboratories because testing on humans can be highly subjective and the response to a test can differ dramatically from one individual to another. 'While progress is being made internationally toward in-vitro sunscreen testing (for example, not on human subjects), which will improve consistency of results, these methods are not yet in place,' they said. Wong, who is known for her work on social media and her blog Lab Muffin, says in-vitro testing would be easier for the TGA to run in-house, which would limit the variability of the results and stop the potential for fraud at labs seeking to make a profit. She also suggests having a limited number of designated labs that are accepted by the TGA for sunscreen testing. Wong says although sunscreen is complicated and there are 'technicalities' in the testing and regulation process, the most common problem is 'user error' in that people aren't applying enough product often enough. 'Sunscreens, in general, they work very well, and they are very effective at protecting your skin against sun exposure,' she says, noting that a sunscreen with an SPF of, say, 24 still offers very good protection. Not long after Choice published its findings, sunscreen was back in the news for different reasons. Last week, the TGA said it would begin consultation on additional controls for some sunscreen ingredients, including the controversial oxybenzone. The medicines regulator says it has conducted a review of sunscreen ingredients used in Australia and is recommending additional safeguards for three chemical compounds. The review proposes that some sunscreen products containing homosalate, oxybenzone and benzophenone be reformulated to ensure sunscreens meet what the TGA considers 'the highest standards of safety for prolonged and frequent use'. Homosalate and oxybenzone are active ingredients in sunscreen, while benzophenone arises from another ingredient called octocrylene, either as an impurity during the manufacturing process or from degradation as the product ages. The TGA has begun a consultation process to help determine the level in sunscreens at which these ingredients remain suitable for use. A week before that, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launched legal action against the maker of two popular sunscreens over allegations it had misled consumers by falsely claiming its products are 'reef-friendly'. The consumerregulator alleges Edgewell Personal Care engaged in greenwashing. While these sunscreens do not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, another chemical linked to coral damage, the ACCC alleges that they contain other ingredients that risk causing harm to coral and marine life. Edgewell is contesting the proceedings.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Beach safety 101: From strong water currents to hot sand and even flying umbrellas, here are tips to enjoy the summer getaway
A beach day is a rite of passage during the summer months. While it's wonderful to lie out in the sun with a cold beverage and a new book, or cool off in the ocean, beaches come with some surprising health hazards too. Whether it's the risk of heat stroke and dehydration or the threat of rip currents (not to mention potentially deadly umbrellas on a windy day), there are just a few things you need to keep in mind to have the best, safest beach day. Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way. Here's what to know before you head for the sand and surf. Most people prefer their beach days to be full of sunshine, but that also means a greater risk of skin damage. Wearing sunscreens with high SPF values is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, experts told Yahoo, as doing so can prevent both sunburn and long-term damage like skin cancer and premature aging. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are good options, based on your personal preference. (Mineral sunscreen often leaves a white cast, while chemical options may be less favorable to people with sensitive skin.) Just make sure that whichever one you use is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply at least a shot glass-size amount for your whole body every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. And sunscreen isn't your only line of defense: Experts recommend wearing sun-protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays. Opt for long, loose and lightweight fabrics to help cover exposed skin, and consider clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating for added defense against UV radiation. The beach may come with a sea breeze, but spending time outdoors when it's hot comes with a higher risk of heat-related illness, which occurs when your body struggles to cool itself down. Risk for heat illness goes up when you exert yourself in high temperatures and are dehydrated. If you're hanging at the beach on a sweltering summer day, avoid overexerting yourself with activities. (Save the beach volleyball for a cooler day, for example.) Instead, keep your body as shaded as possible, such as under a pop-up tent or umbrella. (More on how to ensure you're doing so as safely as possible in a moment!) You can also keep yourself cool with a battery-powered fan and/or mister. Staying hydrated is also crucial — and that doesn't mean just drinking more water. To maintain hydration, you need to replace electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium, which are lost through sweat. Adding an electrolyte powder to your water or eating electrolyte-rich foods like bananas and salted nuts can help your body absorb and retain fluids. It's also smart to avoid alcohol and limit caffeine, as both can worsen dehydration. Some things to keep on your radar are the symptoms of heat stroke, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. If you or someone you're with experiences confusion, dizziness, nausea, a rapid pulse, hot and dry skin, or stops sweating despite the heat, make sure to move them to a cooler place immediately and try to lower their body temperature with cool water or ice packs. If they lose consciousness, have a seizure, or show signs of severe confusion, call 9-1-1 right away. Bringing snacks to the beach is the best — but to avoid foodborne illness, you need to adhere to food safety measures. The most important one is to ensure that your food stays at a safe temperature, aka outside of what the U.S. Department of Agriculture calls the danger zone — between 40 and 140°F. Food scientist Bryan Quoc Le previously told Yahoo that food that's eaten fresh or cold should be 'kept on ice before serving, and there should always be enough ice so that it does not all melt' — think perishable foods like deli meats, dairy products and cut fruits. Doing so should keep the food at 40°F or below. And avoid leaving food out in the sun for more than two hours — or just one hour if it's over 90°F — as bacteria can grow rapidly in warm conditions. When in doubt, toss anything that's been sitting out too long. Outside of making sure your food is stored at the proper temperature, also do your best to keep your hands as clean as possible before eating. Since soap and running water may not be available at the beach, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol as a backup for cleaning your hands before handling food. Want to go for a dip at the beach? Practice water safety. Always swim near a lifeguard, never swim alone and keep an eye on notices for dangerous ocean conditions, such as flags, that can indicate whether the water is acceptable to swim in. (A bright bathing suit can also help catch a lifeguard's eye in case you ever need assistance — just in case you needed an extra excuse to shop this summer.) If you're not a strong swimmer, stick to shallow areas or wear a flotation device — though remember that they're not foolproof. If you're planning on spending time at the beach, you may also want to consider swim lessons — they could save your life. And whether or not you're a strong swimmer, it's important to know the power of rip currents, which are fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore and can quickly carry swimmers out to sea, even in seemingly calm conditions. About 100 people a year die in rip currents in the United States, and over 80% of rescues by surf beach lifeguards in the U.S. are in response to rip currents, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association. Before wading into the water at the beach, check the National Weather Service's local rip current forecast. Signs of a rip current include a gap of darker, calmer water between breaking waves, a noticeable change in water color, or foam and debris moving out to sea. If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm, swim parallel to shore until you're out of the current, then head back in with the waves — don't try to fight it directly. And if you see someone else struggling, call for help and toss them something that floats. Never put yourself at risk by trying to rescue them without proper skills or equipment. No one's Instagram pics of a beach day include flies — but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Common beach bugs include sand flies, mosquitoes and beach fleas. To avoid them, use insect repellent, cover up with lightweight clothing and avoid sitting directly on the sand by using a blanket or beach chair. You should also avoid pools of standing water, which attract bugs. It's not just bugs to be concerned about: The ocean may also contain some sea life you'd be better off not interacting with. Here's what to do if you have an unpleasant sea life encounter in the ocean — and how to cope if you do: Jellyfish: While not every jellyfish stings, the ones that do cause painful stings that lead to red, burning welts. Soak the area in hot water for relief. Stingrays: Stingrays tend to chill in shallow water or even under sand. They sting when stepped on, which can lead to a sharp puncture wound. Soak your stung area in hot water, and seek medical attention. You can shuffle your feet while walking so you don't accidentally step on one. Sea urchins: Stepping on one of these spiky creatures can leave painful spines stuck in your skin. Soak the area in hot water or vinegar and seek medical care if spines remain stuck. Sea lice: These are tiny jellyfish larvae that cause a rash under your swimsuit. Feeling the itch? Rinse off, wash your suit and use ice or antihistamines for relief. While these shade-producing items may not appear dangerous, a gust of wind can send one flying, leading to potentially serious injuries for anyone in its path. Recently, a New Jersey lifeguard was hospitalized after being impaled by a rogue beach umbrella. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission stepped in with new safety guidelines for beach umbrellas. When you're buying or renting an umbrella, look for labels to ensure it's compliant with the regulatory agency, and always follow the setup instructions carefully to keep it secure. Once you bring your umbrella to the beach, you can keep yourself and others safe by securing the umbrella deep in the sand. (An umbrella anchor can also keep your umbrella steady in the sand.) Always angle the umbrella into the wind and never leave it unattended while open — and, if the wind suddenly picks up or your umbrella starts to wobble, close it right away to prevent it from blowing away. It doesn't have to be very hot outside for the sand at the beach to heat up — in fact, while the temperature outside may be a reasonable 90°F, the sand can be more than 120°F on your poor bare feet. Since human skin starts to feel pain at 111°F, and first-degree burns occur at 118°F, it's important to protect yourself. Southwest Florida podiatrists with the Foot and Ankle Group previously told Palm Beach Daily News that there are a few ways to protect your feet if you must cross hot sand. One surprising tip? Skip the flip-flops. While they may be the go-to beach shoe, they easily trap sand against your feet, which can lead to burns. Instead, pick shoes with thicker plastic, rubber or foam soles like Crocs. No shoes to speak of? In a pinch, you can dig your feet deeper into the sand, where it's cooler, and shuffle across the beach toward the water. Or, wet your feet before walking across hot sand, as damp feet can handle the heat for longer periods of time. For those of us who prefer their beach days to be more taxing and less relaxing, there's always the option of digging a hole. Unfortunately for those people, holes at the beach are a major hazard, experts say. That's because holes are easily able to collapse inwards, which can lead people to be buried in the sand. In 2024, a 7-year-old girl in Florida died when a beach hole collapsed, burying her and her brother, who survived the ordeal. It's a tragic situation that happens to at least a few people per year. Hole collapses are especially dangerous because sand is heavy: Just one cubic foot of dry sand can weigh up to 90 to 110 pounds. And wet sand is even heavier at up to 130 pounds — the equivalent of 20 bricks pressing down on you. If you must dig a hole at the beach, abide by this rule: Never dig a hole any deeper than the knees of the shortest person in the group. This way, should the hole collapse on someone, they can easily get themselves out safely. And make sure to always fill in your holes completely before leaving the beach, so no one trips and falls in.
