During the summer, many activities move outside, and long hot days mean more time spent at the beach, lake, pool, or golf course. With increased exposure to the sun, comes the risk of harming your skin.
The sun emits UV rays which can damage your skin. Spending too much time out in the sun without protection can cause painful sunburns, early signs of aging (like wrinkly or leathery skin), skin blemishes, and even skin cancer. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your skin and avoid a host of problems.
1. Stay Inside
It is best to limit the amount of time you spend outside when the sun is at its peak (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). If you plan an outdoor activity, try to schedule it for early in the morning or in the evening.
For example, you can move your morning run from 10 a.m. to 8 a.m.; not only will you avoid the worst of the sun’s rays, but you will also stay cooler. Instead of having a picnic lunch on the beach, try for dinner. Staying inside when the sun is hottest and brightest can help keep your skin healthy for years to come.
2. Cover Up
If you are planning a day out in the sun, one of the best things you can do to keep your skin safe is to cover it up. Wear long sleeves and long pants. You can even find clothes that specifically offer UV protection.
If you are going to the beach, consider choosing a swimming suit with more coverage and UV protection. The water and sand can reflect the UV rays and make them even stronger. Even if it is a cloudy day, you can still get burned or exposed to UV rays. With your skin covered, you can avoid damage and sunburn.
3. Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important tools you can use to keep your skin healthy in the sun. Sunscreen reduces the number of harmful rays that your skin is exposed to, thus preventing skin cancer, sunburn, and rapid aging.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
When you use sunscreen, it is important to choose the right kind. Here is a list of things to check for when buying sunscreen
· Make sure that the sunscreen is FDA-approved.
· Use Sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.
· Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen.
· Choose water-resistant sunscreen.
Sunscreen should be worn even if it is cloudy outside, especially if you are going to be on cement, sand, or water.
4. Wear a Hat
A simple way to keep the skin on your face safe from the sun is to wear a hat. A hat with a wide brim can shade your skin and protect your neck and chest from the sun. A hat not only keeps the worst of the sun off your face, but it can also help protect your eyes from damage.
A hat can be worn whenever you are going to be outside for an extended period of time and is most effective when you combine it with other protection measures, like applying sunscreen and avoiding the hottest part of the day.
5. Take Advantage of Shade
When you are outside in the sun, you should spend as much time as you can in the shade. You should choose to sit under a tree or next to a building if you can, and you should choose to hike up a shady path or run down a street with plenty of trees. Shade is a natural protection against the sun.
You can even build up your own shade with awnings or umbrellas; some umbrellas are made with UV protection.
When you are having fun in the sun, don’t forget to take care of your skin. If you have sun blemishes, melanoma, or sunburns, all of us at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists are ready to help.
