By Kana McNiff
As summer rapidly approaches, temperatures are rising and people are spending more and more time in the sun. While it’s tempting to participate in outdoor activities and try to get a tan, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun without proper protection can lead to sunburns, skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer. Use the following tips to stay safe this summer!
#1. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect yourself while you’re out in the sun. The FDA recommends using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, even on cloudy days; the UV can still be high even when it isn’t sunny. Sunscreen should be applied liberally to all uncovered skin, especially your neck, ears, nose, hands, feet, and lips. Make sure to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours for maximum protection.
#2. Protective Wear
While sunscreen is great at reducing the amount of UV exposure, it doesn’t block it completely. Wearing protective clothing when possible will massively reduce your exposure to UV. Wearing sunglasses also protects your eyes from sun damage.
#3. Avoid Purposely Tanning
While it’s tempting to sit out in the sun for hours trying to achieve the perfect summer tan, the risks of doing so aren’t worth it. The Skin Cancer Foundation has said, “While often associated with good health, the “glow” of a tan is the very opposite of healthy; it is evidence of DNA injury to your skin. Tanning damages your skin cells and speeds up visible signs of aging. Worst of all, tanning can lead to skin cancer.” If you’re desperate for a summer tan, some dermatologists recommend self tanning. As long as you buy self tanners that do not contain dyes or parabens and use them according to the package directions, there are very few cons associated with self tanners compared to sun-tanning.
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