With everything to worry about in the summer, sun safety often gets pushed to the bottom of our priority lists. But whether you’re at the beach, on a boat, or just enjoying an outdoor party, it’s essential to be aware of how much time you spend in the sun and what measures you take to protect yourself. This August is recognized as Summer Sun Safety Month globally because it’s when people are most likely to get sunburns. Experts advise using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily or wearing protective clothing if spending time in direct sunlight for more than 10 minutes. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside, reapplied every two hours outdoors, and used even if it’s cloudy. If you like to learn more about sun safety, check out this post for tips on enjoying being outdoors without risking harm to your skin and health.
How Does the Sun Cause Cancer?
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known carcinogen that damages cells and can lead to skin cancer. Sun exposure increases the risk of all three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Dry, damaged skin makes it easier for UV rays to penetrate the skin. Even people with fair complexions who don’t burn can develop skin cancer after years of regular exposure.
Tips To Protect Yourself From Sun
Summer is here, and it’s time to enjoy the warm weather. While summer is an incredible time to get outside and active, protecting yourself from the sun’s damaging rays is also important. The sun can cause skin cancer and early aging, but there are steps you can take to protect your skin. Here are the tips for protecting yourself from sun damage this summer.
Protect Your Skin with Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when you’re outdoors during the day. Wear light-colored clothing will reflect sunlight away from your body, reducing your risk of getting burned by UV rays. Furthermore, wear a hat with a broad brim to shade your face and neck from the sun’s harmful rays.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be used 15 minutes before heading outside so your skin can absorb it before exposure to UV rays begins. All skin types need protection from sun damage outdoors. Still, people who burn easily should use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on all exposed areas of their body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily.
Wear Sunglasses That Block UV Rays
Sunglasses are a critical element of any summer wardrobe. When choosing sunglasses, look for those blocking 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. You should also ensure the lenses are dark enough to protect against glare from oncoming traffic or bright surfaces such as sand or concrete.
Stay Hydrated
It’s essential to stay hydrated during the summer because dehydration causes your blood vessels to expand, allowing more UV radiation into your eyes and body. Even more important, drink plenty of water throughout the day to remain hydrated. You should also drink water before heading outside, so you don’t get dehydrated quickly once you’re in direct sunlight.
Wear a Hat
Mentioned earlier, the best way to protect your head from getting burned is by wearing a hat. Hats made of straw or fabric can give you extra protection against the sun’s harmful rays. If you’re going outside during peak hours or spring or summer, wear hats covering most of your face and neck. You should likewise wear hats with wide brims to cover your face and neck more. It’s also advisable to wear baseball caps instead of visors because they offer more protection from UV rays than visors do.
The summer months are always a period of fun and relaxation. With beaches and pools in abundance, it’s tempting to expose skin to the sun in ways you might be less likely to do during the rest of the year. Don’t forget that tanning can lead to health problems, including damage to your eyes. Try using sunglasses when outside, and never underestimate how bright the sun can get.