How To Protect Your Skin From Fun In The Summer Sun

Exposure to the sun is essential for good health, but spending too much time in the sun can be dangerous. Sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer are some of the most common health risks associated with overexposure to the sun.

Let’s talk about a few of the most common dangers of summer sun exposure and then we will go over the easiest ways to protect yourself.

The Dangers Of The Summer Sun

Here are a few of the biggest reasons why the sun can be dangerous during the summer:

Sunburn: Exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays for too long can lead to painful and unsightly sunburns.
Skin cancer: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for developing skin cancer.
Premature aging: The sun’s UV rays can cause premature aging, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging. While there are treatments to help with premature aging, it’s best to protect yourself from it before it happens.
Dehydration: Spending time in the sun and being more active while outside can cause excessive sweating, leading to dehydration.

Protect Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Now that we know why the sun is dangerous in the summer, let’s go over the 10 ways you can protect yourself from the dangers of the sun and prevent issues before they arise.

Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirts with built-in UV protection.
Apply sunscreen with a broad spectrum and a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Read the instructions to make sure you are applying it as often as recommended (the rule of thumb is at least every two hours). If you have children that are at least six months old, check in with them and help them apply it as necessary. Children six months or younger should not get sunscreen, but instead, be kept well covered or in the shade.
The sun is at its strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Plan your heavier outdoor time before or after those hours to prevent being out during its peak.
Wear polarized sunglasses with wrap-around protection to protect your eyes from UV rays. If sunglasses are not an option, find a wide-brimmed hat to wear instead.
Remember your hands and neck! We’ve talked about caring for our hands before. People tend to forget their hands and neck when taking care of their skin. Carry a scarf to cover your neck or apply adequate amounts of sunscreen.
Keep those lips hydrated. Have your lip balm on hand, one that has a minimum of SPF 30 to protect your mouth from getting dry and burnt.
Avoid tanning beds in the summer. There is plenty of natural sun out to get that healthy glow. Don’t add more UVA and UVB ray exposure to your skin and increase your risk of cancer.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help keep your skin healthy.
Routinely check your skin for new markings, moles, or freckles. If you notice anything new, reach out to your dermatologist to see if it’s something to be concerned about.
Regularly check in with yourself. While you’re out, set reminders to take a break in the shade, drink water (iced coffee and summer mojitos do not count), and reapply your sunscreen as often as the manufacturer recommends.

Remember to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day. Stay safe and enjoy your summer!