Summertime is the best time for physical activity. However, it’s essential to protect your skin against UV rays that can damage your skin within 15 minutes. Sun’s UV rays also increase the risk of skin cancer.
Did you know?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US. It is affecting nearly 5 million people annually.
In addition to the risk of skin cancer, the sun’s UV rays are responsible for over 90% of visible skin aging changes, including wrinkles, dryness, and freckles.
Let’s explore some simple tips for protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays.
Always Seek Shade
Getting shade under an umbrella or tree, particularly during midday hours, can significantly decrease the risk of skin damage.
Always Avoid peak sun.
Avoid planning outdoor activities for the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Always use sunscreen
The sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens is a number that shows how well they filter ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Higher numbers mean more protection.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 is good, even on cool or slightly cloudy days.
The term “broad-spectrum” on a product’s label indicates that the sunscreen blocks exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are primarily responsible for premature aging and skin cancer.
So, remember to apply a thick sunscreen on all exposed skin parts.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind when using sunscreen:
- Sunscreen loses its effectiveness. Reapply it if you plan to spend longer than two hours in the sun, swim, sweat, or towel off.
- The maximum shelf life of sunscreen without an expiration date is three years.
- If the sunscreen is exposed to extreme temperatures, its shelf life will be shortened. Make sure to verify the expiration date on your sunscreen.
- Some cosmetics and lip balms have ingredients that are also present in sunscreens. Avoid using them if they don’t have at least SPF 15.
Additionally, it would help to think about antioxidant sun protection for skin protection from the sun. Antioxidant sun protection products combine powerful antioxidants with sun-blocking ingredients. The added benefit of the antioxidants means these products can help reduce signs of aging while protecting your skin.
Think about your outfit.
You can protect yourself from UV rays by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and skirts. The best protection comes from materials with tight weaves. Darker T-shirts provide more excellent UV protection than lighter ones, and a wet T-shirt offers far less protection than a dry one.
Specific international-certified clothing is specifically designed to offer UV protection.
Hence, if this apparel is not workable, try dressing in a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Remember that most T-shirts don’t have SPF ratings higher than 15, so wear additional protection.
Always cover Your Eyes with Sunglasses.
Sunlight from sand, water, or snow increases UV radiation exposure, which can cause eye problems. Choose sunglasses with a UV400 rating or “100% UV protection” on the label to protect your eyes.
Similarly, avoid dark-tinted sunglasses as they may dilate pupils and expose retinas to UV light. Children should wear sunglasses with UV protection levels; large, wraparound frames may provide more protection.
Hence, Quality sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and sunscreen can also help protect from sun exposure.
