Spending time in the sun can be enjoyable, but overexposure to its rays can be harmful to your skin. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin damage, aging, and increase your risk of skin cancer.
The thought of skin cancer is scary, and you want to protect your skin in any way possible. The good news is that there’s hope. Read this guide on how to protect your skin from the sun today.
1. Wear Protective Gear
You can learn more about protecting your skin through wide brim sun hats and other accessories. Wear cover-ups or long-sleeved shirts when you’re outdoors.
Sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Be sure that they have UVA and UVB protection. Wide brim hats that cover your neck, ears, head, and face will offer sun protection.
Choose dry fabrics and darker clothing. Thin fabrics such as cotton are best. Try finding clothing that is marked with a UV protection factor.
2. Use Sunscreen
Even if it’s cloudy outside, you should still apply sunscreen. Caring for your skin means that you’ll check the sunscreen bottle for the term broad spectrum.
This means that you’ll have protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose sun protection that has an SPF of 30 or higher. Before you apply it, check the expiration date.
Some acceptable sunscreen ingredients include:
- Octisalate
- Zinc oxide
- Padimate O
- Sulisobenzone
- Ensulizole
- Cinoxate
- Homosalate
- And others
3. Keep Children Safe
Children need sun protection as well. If your child is under 6 months, they shouldn’t be out in the sun. Their skin will need extra protection.
Keep them in the shade with a hat. You’ll also want to buy them clothing that’ll protect their skin from the sun.
4. Avoid the Mid-Afternoon
The day is the hottest in the afternoon, you’ll want to avoid the sun. If you need to head out, apply sunscreen liberally.
Don’t forget about applying it to your hands, feet, ears, and face. Reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours.
Only go in the water if it says that the sunscreen is water-resistant. You’ll want to apply more if you’re sweating or swimming.
5. Seek Shade
Limit UV rays whenever you can and seek shade. Consider bringing a tent to the beach. Bring umbrellas, hats, strollers, and other coverage options for the entire family. You’ll still want to apply sunscreen in the shade since some UV rays can enter.
6. Other Protective Measures
Cover car seats and steering wheels so that they stay cool to the touch. Wear flip-flops, and don’t go barefoot when you’re outside.
Avoid tanning beds! They could increase your risk of skin cancer.
Conclusion
Protecting your skin from the sun is essential for maintaining healthy skin and reducing your risk of skin cancer. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, avoiding tanning beds, staying hydrated, and checking your skin regularly are all simple steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects. By following these tips, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin safe and healthy.