It’s the seasons for all things outdoors. Gardening, fishing, camping, and so much more are back in full swing! The time spent outdoors is something you’ve probably looked forward to all year, but that doesn’t mean you can rush into it without being safe. The sun is something that can lead to sun damage, skin cancer, premature aging, and so much more. Before you go out to enjoy the warm rays, keep these safety tips in mind.
Avoiding the Sun
Avoiding direct sunlight is a great way to be safe outdoors. Look for areas of shade, so you’re able to enjoy the nice weather without damaging your skin. You can also use hats, long sleeves, and dark colors to protect your skin from direct sunlight. Keep your clothes dry to get the best sun protection. Ask your dermatologist about the sun damage that has already occurred to your skin. They can check for signs of skin cancer and point out the areas of your skin that are most commonly affected by the sun.
SPF
Sunscreen is vital to children and adults alike. You should look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Whether you rub or spray it on, don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours when you’re outside! Waterproof sunscreen should be consistently reapplied after you get out of the water. Also, if you aren’t prone to getting a sunburn, your skin is still being damaged by sun exposure. Remember to use during overcast days, just like you do on sunny days. All areas of exposed skin should be thoroughly covered with sunscreen. Many cosmetic products have SPF included in them so you can still look great while you’re being sun safe!
Sunglasses
The sun’s damaging rays impact more than just your skin. Looking at direct sunlight without eye protection can lead to eye damage and skin damage on the delicate skin surrounding your eyes. Wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors, even if the sun isn’t bothering your eyes. Most sunglasses sold in the US offer the protection to need, no matter how cheap or expensive they are. Wraparound sunglasses can provide full coverage protection to the entire eye area.
It’s never too late to start practicing good sun safety habits. If you have young children around you, they’ll be able to learn by watching what you do to protect yourself!
