With summer fast approaching, you’ll be getting more opportunities to spend time outside. As you are likely aware, excessive exposure to the sun’s ray can cause serious issues for your skin. With that in mind, now would be a good time to develop a strategy to protect you and your skin this summer. To help you in that endeavor here’s eight ways you can protect yourself when going outside in the hot sun.
1. Avoid Sun During Key Hours
The sun is at its closest proximity to the earth from approximately 10 am to 2 pm. This is the time-frame when the sun’s rays will offer the best chance for sunburn. Even if at the beach or pool, this would be the time to avoid direct contact with the sun.
2. Use Sunscreen
Any time you go out in the sun for long periods of time during summertime, you are at risk of sunburn. That includes day where cloud cover blocks the sun. To keep your skin protected, you should use sunscreen. According to The American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 would be preferable.
3. Wearing Proper Eye-ware
The skin around your eyes is particularly sensitive to the sun’s ray. The sun also plays a part in the creation of cataracts. You should protect your eyes at all times with sunglasses, prescription sunglasses if necessary.
4. Understand How Your Prescription Medications React With Sunshine
If you take prescription medications and anticipate spending a lot of time outdoors, you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist about how your medications may react to your body’s sun exposure. Some drugs cause adverse reactions. You should proceed with caution if you are taking antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin), antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-psychotics; and some oral diabetic medications.
5. Head Gear
Hats are always a preferred option if you are looking to protect your face, head and neck areas. If you decide to go with a baseball cap, you must remember it offers no protection for the back of your neck. You can cover that area with sunscreen.
6. Monitor Your Skin
If you spend a lot of time outside, you have an obligation to yourself to monitor how your skin is reacting to sunshine. If you see sudden changes around your moles, freckles, birthmarks and scars, it might be an indication something’s going on underneath the skin’s surface. If you see something, you should decrease your exposure to the sun and consult with your physician.
7. Create Shelter From the Sun
If you go to the beach, you should take a large umbrella with you to limit the time you are in direct sunlight. If you are in the backyard during a family event, you might consider putting up a pop up canopy for extended protection.
8. Practice Good Skin Health
If you want to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, it would be a good idea to make sure your skin is healthy from the start. You can promote healthy skin by eating lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A good night’s sleep will also keep your skin looking younger. Finally, smoking damages your skin. It acts to decrease the collagen and elastin in your skin. To keep you skin from drying out, you should use moisturizers on a regular basis.