Summer is here and that means one thing: fun in the sun. We all love to soak up the rays this time of year, but it’s important to remember the damaging effects of the sun and plan accordingly.
Protecting your skin from UV rays not only helps prevent skin cancer, but also eye problems, a weakened immune system, age spots, wrinkles, and leathery skin.
If you know you will be in the sun, protect your skin by doing the following:
- Wear proper clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants that will protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Also, remember to protect your head and eyes with a hat and UV-resistant sunglasses.
- Stay out of the sun. Even though we all want to be in the sun as much as possible through the summer months, try to locate shade during the peak burning hours, which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can find shade, or make your own with protective clothing – including a broad-brimmed hat.
- Use extra caution when near reflective surfaces. Water, snow, sand, and even the windows of a building can reflect damaging rays of the sun. This mirror effect can increase your chance of sunburn, even if you’re in what you consider a shady spot.
- Use extra caution when at higher altitudes. You can experience more UV exposure at increased elevations, so it is important to wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen for extra protection.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen generously enough to cover all exposed skin. The “broad spectrum” variety protects against overexposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
- To be safe, re-apply broad-spectrum sunscreen throughout the day. Even if the bottle is labeled “water-resistant,” it should be reapplied throughout the day, especially after sweating or swimming.
By following this advice and always making sure the right protective measures are used for your circumstances, anyone can safely experience fun in the sun.
Enjoy the outdoors this summer and remember to protect your eyes and the skin you’re in!