While spending time in the summer sun feels great, a thinning ozone layer and higher incidence of skin cancer have made us afraid to spend hours out in the sun — and rightfully so.
While cancer is a serious concern, you don’t have to become a summer shut-in. Follow these tips to help you safely enjoy your season in the sun.
Avoid Peak Hours
Avoid the peak hours of the sun. Typically rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to schedule outdoor activities so you can avoid those times.
Slather on the Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen about 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Because the sun emits two types of harmful rays—UVA and UVB—your sunscreen should provide broad-spectrum protection against both types of rays. Ensure that your sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Also, be sure to apply sunscreen liberally to achieve the SPF labeled on the bottle.
Reapply Regularly
It’s one thing to put on sunscreen, but reapplying as directed is just as important. Unfortunately, reapplication may be the most neglected step in the sun-safety regimen. Don’t just put it on and forget it. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours while outdoors. If you’re swimming, reapply every 45 minutes — even if you’re wearing a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen.
Sport a Hat
When outdoors, wear a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, neck and ears. A brim that is at least 3 to 4 inches around will provide appropriate coverage. The bucket and wide-brimmed farmer’s hats, in a lightweight straw or cotton twill, are two stylish choices.
Seek Shade
Look for shade, but do so with caution. Trees and umbrellas provide some protection, but the sun’s rays can still penetrate and reach you. You still need to protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat.
Dress Appropriately
Wearing full-coverage clothing in dark, tight-knit fabric is the best way to protect your skin—but it’s usually not the first choice of what to wear in the summer heat. Fortunately, there are many lightweight options that offer sun protection. To see if a piece of clothing offers ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, check the label. Clothing can offer UPF that is anywhere between 15 to 50.
Protect the Eyes
Don’t forget your eyes. Try to wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. The eye area is incredibly vulnerable. Prolonged sun exposure can damage your eyes and increase your risk for developing eye disease.
Add It All Up
Each of these tips is important, but adhering to one or two isn’t enough. Doing just one thing won’t adequately protect you against the extensive sun exposure you get in the summer. They’re all essentials for protecting your skin against the sun’s rays.
