5 Smart Tips To Keep You Safe in the Sun

When the sun is shining, most people want to spend time outdoors exercising, playing, or just relaxing. You may love how the sun feels on your skin, but deep down below the surface, your long-term health may be at risk. With exposure to UV rays as the number one cause of skin cancer, protecting yourself from the sun should be a top priority to keep safe. These five tips make sun safety a no-brainer and allow you to have fun without damaging your skin. 

1. Cover It Up

If it is hot outside, your inclination may be to go a little bare in shorts and tank tops, but your skin could pay the price. Instead of showing a lot of skin, wear light-colored clothing that reflects some of the sun’s rays, and don’t forget a hat! With thin or breathable materials, you may not even mind the extra fabric covering your arms and legs. Some clothing offers sun protection, so you may want to check labels before you buy.

 
2. Know Your Number

Sunscreen is essential any time you plan to spend time outdoors, no matter what the time of year. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it at least ten minutes before you go outside to allow it time to soak into your skin. The important part is that you should reapply it every two hours or so as well as after time spent in the water or sweating heavily. One application of sunscreen is not enough to last all day.

 
3.Plan Your Outing

If you want to go outside when the sun is out, try to avoid the hottest time of the day. Typically, the highest sun exposure occurs between ten am and four pm, when the blazing sun is directly overhead. Be sure to stay hydrated when you are outdoors to prevent heat exhaustion and find some shade or wear a hat to give yourself and your skin a break. Also, don’t expect clouds to offer protection, as up to 80% of UV rays can pass right through them.

4. Protect Your Eyes

With all the emphasis on sunscreen and shade, your eyes may not be on your sun safety radar. Sun exposure leaves your eyes are vulnerable to several conditions, from cataracts to macular degeneration, as well as headaches and trouble seeing distances due to glare. Sunglasses can make it safer to drive or enjoy the beauty of nature when you do brave the heat.

 
5. Freshen Your Supply

Much like medications, sunscreens do have a shelf life and can lose their effectiveness if past the expiration date. Hopefully, with regular, consistent use of sunscreen, you don’t have an abundance of old products on hand, but any sunscreen that is two or three years old may not offer the amount of protection you think it does. When in doubt, toss it out and get a fresh supply.
 
It does not take too much effort to stay safe when you are out in the sun, but that effort can make a big difference in your skin over time by slowing down the signs of aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer. For other helpful information to keep you healthy, contact us (707) 823-3689 or visit our website online.