10 Ways to Protect Your Skin This Summer

As summer approaches and outdoor adventures beckon, it’s essential to prioritize our skin health and safety in the sun. The sun offers many benefits but also presents risks, so understanding how to protect yourself is crucial. 

Did you know that ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can begin causing skin damage in just 15 minutes? While extended exposure can lead to various types of skin cancer, many of which are thankfully preventable, it’s important to remember that the sun isn’t the only factor to be mindful of. Tanning beds, smoking, and an unhealthy diet can also adversely affect your skin’s health.

This article presents ten strategies to enjoy the sun responsibly and reduce UV exposure risks. From seeking shade during peak hours to using broad-spectrum sunscreen, each tip aims to protect your skin and maintain its youthful look. Embrace the sunshine confidently by following these essential guidelines for safe sun exposure.

1. Seek Shade

It’s a great idea to soak up the sun responsibly. Try to relax in the shade whenever possible, especially during the hot hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays can be particularly intense. Being aware of this peak time protects your skin from sunburn and potential long-term damage. 

This becomes especially important for older individuals, as their skin can be more sensitive and may face challenges such as sunspots and premature aging. If you find yourself outdoors during these hours, try to seek shade and take protective measures to ensure your skin remains safe.

2. Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Everyone is saying that the best thing you can do for your skin is to apply sunscreen daily. Not only does it reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer, but it is also crucial if you want to prevent early signs of aging and maintain an overall youthful appearance. Broad-spectrum sunscreen acts as an invisible shield against both UVA and UVB rays. 

To keep your skin happy and healthy, it’s best to pick a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Make sure to apply it generously to all areas, especially those often overlooked, like your ears and the back of your neck. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, or even more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even when it’s cloudy, is an important step in your skincare routine that helps you maintain that beautiful, youthful glow.

3. Wear a Sun Visor Hat

Wearing a sun visor hat is a fantastic way to keep your face and eyes safe from the sun’s harmful rays. Unlike traditional hats, visors allow for great airflow while also protecting your forehead, eyes, and nose from direct sunlight. This really comes in handy during those peak sun hours when UV exposure is at its highest.

A sun visor effectively reduces glare, enhancing the enjoyment of outdoor activities. When selecting a visor, choose one with a wide brim for optimal coverage, and consider materials that offer UV protection for extra safety. Adding a sun visor to your summer routine not only promotes skin health but also keeps you looking stylish.

4. Wear Protective Clothing

You might be surprised to learn that not all clothing offers complete protection against sun damage. Protective clothing with UV filters is crucial for defending your skin from harmful UV rays on sunny days. Fabrics crafted from tightly woven materials, such as cotton or specialized UV-protective fabrics, provide heightened protection. Light colors reflect sunlight, helping to keep you cool while minimizing the risk of sunburn. 

Wearing protective clothing can aid in delaying skin aging and lower the risk of skin cancer. Adding these items to your outdoor attire not only supports skin wellness but also enables you to engage in summer activities comfortably and safely.

5. Use Sunglasses

Our skin isn’t the only thing that needs protection from the sun. Our eyes deserve care, too! Wearing sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection is essential for keeping your eyes and the sensitive skin around them safe from sun damage. UVA rays can lead to premature aging and cataracts, while UVB rays are the main culprits behind sunburn. 

When choosing your sunglasses, go for ones that offer 100% protection against both types of UV rays for complete peace of mind. Consider polarized lenses as they really help reduce glare, making your outdoor adventures a lot more comfortable. Also, oversized or wraparound styles are fantastic because they give you extra coverage by blocking sunlight from the sides. By wearing a good pair of sunglasses, you’re not just protecting your vision. You’re also lowering the chances of facing long-term eye health issues.

6. Be Mindful of Medications

Some medications, including certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and acne treatments, may increase your sensitivity to sunlight, which can raise the risk of sunburn or skin irritation. Before heading outdoors, take a moment to review your medications for any warnings regarding sun exposure, and feel free to contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

If you’re planning to spend time in the sun while taking photosensitive medications, it’s wise to take some precautions. Consider wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible.

7. Stay Hydrated

Keeping hydrated while enjoying the sun is super important for your health and the health of your skin. When we’re out in the sun, our bodies lose fluids through sweating, which can lead to dehydration. This can affect how we feel and perform physically, and it can also affect our skin, making it more susceptible to dryness and sun damage.

Staying well-hydrated is key to keeping your body temperature in check, supporting circulation, and enhancing your skin’s natural barrier. By drinking enough water and enjoying hydrating foods like delicious fruits and crisp vegetables, you help your body feel cool and refreshed. It’s especially important to prioritize hydration on those hot, sunny days to make sure you can enjoy outdoor activities safely and comfortably!

8. Moisturize Regularly

Regularly moisturizing your skin before and after sun exposure is vital for keeping it hydrated and healthy. Sunlight can cause dryness and damage, so it’s important to use an effective moisturizer when spending time outdoors. Choose products with beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which work to retain moisture and comfort the skin. 

Additionally, choosing a moisturizer with SPF offers an extra layer of protection against those harmful UV rays. When you keep your skin well-hydrated, you’re not just enhancing its resilience; you’re also reducing the risk of sunburn and promoting a healthy, radiant complexion that looks and feels amazing!

9. Avoid Tanning Beds

Steering clear of tanning beds is essential for preserving healthy skin and lowering the risk of skin cancer. These beds release dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation, contributing to premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, and raising the likelihood of malignant melanoma and other skin cancers. 

In contrast to natural sunlight, concentrated UV exposure from tanning beds is especially harmful, even during brief sessions. Rather than pursuing a bronzed look from tanning beds, explore safer options such as self-tanners or bronzing lotions, which can offer a sun-kissed effect without the health risks. It’s crucial to prioritize skin health for lasting beauty and wellness.

10. Get Regular Skin Checks

Regular skin checks are crucial for early detection and prevention of skin cancer and other skin issues. During these appointments, a dermatologist thoroughly examines your skin for any unusual moles, spots, or changes that may indicate potential concerns. Detecting skin abnormalities early can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and reduce the risks associated with skin cancer. 

This is especially vital for those with a history of sun exposure, a family background of skin cancer, or individuals with fair skin. Furthermore, routine skin examinations raise awareness about your skin’s health and encourage proactive actions, such as effective sun protection and skincare regimes, to preserve healthy skin.

Taking care of your skin during summer is crucial for its health and preventing lasting harm from UV exposure. By following the ten strategies presented in this article, you can enjoy the sun in a safe and responsible manner. Remember that proactive measures not only help maintain your skin’s youthful look but also significantly lower the chances of skin cancer and other related concerns. Enjoy the pleasures of summer while prioritizing your skin’s health, ensuring you fully embrace every sunny day with confidence and care.

You should also read: 5 Sunscreen Myths Spreading on TikTok Debunked!