With the summer season heating up, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your skin from the sun. Unfortunately, even with our best efforts at slathering on sunscreen and wearing hats and sunglasses, too much time in the sun can damage our skin. But don’t fret—you can take some simple steps to ensure that your skin remains healthy during sunny days. Read ahead as we dive into easy tips for sun safety.
1. Understand the ABCs of Sun Protection
Sun protection is one of the most important things we can do for our skin to minimize the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and more. Understanding and practicing the ABCs of sun protection is fundamental knowledge no matter the time of year or where you are located. Awareness means understanding how much sun exposure can damage your skin. The most common forms of exposure are ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which affect the skin differently.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause long-term damage, such as wrinkles, while UVB rays are much more intense and are responsible for causing sunburns. Most people think that UVB and UVA rays only exist in the summertime, but this isn’t true. These rays are present all year round and can even penetrate through windows.
2. Invest in Quality Sunscreen with SPF 30+ and Broad-Spectrum Protection
In this era of instant gratification, as soon as summer arrives, many of us put our sunscreen away and start exposing ourselves to the sun far more than we should to get a tan. But there’s no doubt — our skin needs some extra protection, especially during the summer months. Investing in quality sunscreen with SPF 30+ and broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB) is essential for long-term skin health.
Doing so can help protect you from harmful UV rays and potential sunburns, which can increase your risk of developing skin cancer down the road. You can try korean sunscreen with a 50+ SPF rating and broad spectrum protection. A good-quality sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium dioxide so you can be sure to keep your skin safe from the sun this summer.
3. Make Sure to Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection
Wear sunglasses with UV protection to keep your skin safe from the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the eyes as easily as the skin. When selecting sunglasses, always look for the label “100% UVA and UVB protection”—this indicates that the lenses provide adequate protection against both types of rays.
Polarized lenses are a great choice, too, as they reduce glare and help keep your eyes comfortable in bright light. Investing in a quality pair of sunglasses with UV protection will pay off in health and style aspects. So, remember to don your shades whether you’re lounging poolside or taking a summer hike in nature.
4. Wear Protective Clothing and Accessories
If you know you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, wearing clothing and accessories that offer extra protection from the sun is essential. Remember, the more skin we expose ourselves to, the higher our risk for sunburns or other skin damage. You’ll want to wear clothes with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings of 30+ and opt for dark colors to absorb the sun’s rays.
Wide-brimmed hats are also a great accessory to protect your head, face, neck, and ears from the sun’s strong rays. Hats with mesh panels can make it easy to stay cool on hot summer days while still providing coverage from the sun.
5. Seek Shade Whenever Possible
One of the essential tips for sun safety is to seek shade whenever possible — even when wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. But don’t forget that shade isn’t always enough. You should also practice all other tips mentioned above to ensure maximum protection.
Whenever you’re out in the sun, whether for a hike or a picnic at the park, find some shade and take short breaks throughout your time outdoors. Doing so will help keep your skin safe from sun damage and even allow your sunscreen to work more effectively. With these simple tips, you can enjoy this upcoming summer season and keep your skin safe.
6. Keep Hydrated with Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is essential during the hot summer months, as high temperatures combined with increased physical activity can lead to dehydration quickly. Be sure to carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go and sip it throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.
Staying hydrated with fresh water can help cool down your body temperature, prevent headaches, and replenish lost electrolytes — all essential during sunny days outdoors. So, drink up this summer and stay safe in the sun.
7. Seek Shade Whenever Possible
One of the essential tips for sun safety is to seek shade whenever possible — even when wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. But don’t forget that shade isn’t always enough. You should also practice all other tips mentioned above to ensure maximum protection.
Whenever you’re out in the sun, whether for a hike or a picnic at the park, find some shade and take short breaks throughout your time outdoors. Doing so will help keep your skin safe from sun damage and even allow your sunscreen to work more effectively. With these simple tips, you can enjoy this upcoming summer season and keep your skin safe.
8. Schedule Regular Skin Examinations with Your Doctor
It’s important to schedule regular skin examinations with your doctor. It’s a good idea to have a professional check your skin at least once or twice a year (or more if they recommend it) to detect any early warning signs of skin cancer. A dermatologist will be able to offer personal advice and prevention tips that are tailored to your lifestyle.
Taking the time for regular skin checks can make all the difference in protecting you from developing severe skin conditions, so don’t put it off any longer. The summer is a great time to get started on this vital task.
These tips will help you stay safe in the sun and ensure nothing ruins your fun summer plans. Remember: sunscreen, sunglasses, protective clothing, shade, water, and regular skin examinations are vital to keeping healthy, and maximizing the enjoyment of the sunny summer is a great time to get started on this important task.
