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Protect Yourself from the Summer Sun

Summer means opportunities: you finally have the time to travel, get outside, see your family, go for a swim. The sun is out, the weather is warm, and nature seems totally inviting.

However, there’s one important thing to keep in mind as you enjoy the outdoors: protecting yourself and your loved ones from the sun. Although getting a little sun has actually been shown to be good for you—staving off depression and providing necessary vitamin D—too much can lead to skin cancer and other negative results. Here are some tips for making the most of your summer exposure.

1. Use sunscreen lotion. This is tip #1 because it’s by far the most important. Always be sure, when in the sun, to use sunscreen to protect exposed areas of skin, and apply according to directions on the bottle. Most government agencies recommend using an SPF of at least 15 with both UVA and UVB protection, which will block 93% of UV rays,. Also, don’t forget to reapply as the day goes on—sunscreen wears off with sweat, water, and the regular passing of time. Reapply every two hours.
2. Cover up. Obviously, if you’re going swimming you’ll likely take your t-shirt off, but when not in the water be sure to wear a t-shirt or similar cover-up that’s thick enough to not let UV rays filter through.  Interestingly enough, if the t-shirt’s wet, it’ll provide less cover than if it’s dry, so keep that in mind as well.
3. Put on a hat and sunglasses. Your scalp and eyes will thank you. The vast majority of sunglasses sold in the United States meet UV protection standards, so any pair will do, though wraparounds will give more coverage. As for the hat, the larger the brim and thicker the fabric, the better.
4. Seek out shade. Especially during the midday hours. But still wear sunscreen, because sunlight can reflect off other surfaces—and that way you’ll be prepared to venture out into the sun when you need to.
5. Wear sunscreen even when it’s cloudy. This is one of those oft-repeated phrases that comes to seem like an old wives’ tale, but it’s true: you can get burned even on a cloudy day, as the clouds don’t actually block the sun’s UV rays. And even if you think the clouds will protect you and you leave home without sunscreen, you’ll be in a jam if the sky clears up later on, so always be prepared.
6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Your skin isn’t the only thing to keep in mind when you’re in the sun. Make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated—that means drinking before your thirsty. You’ll feel better, and you’ll have more energy for the day.

Fear of the sun is no reason to not enjoy the lovely summer. Just make sure you take the right precautions, and don’t stay out in the sun for too long at one time if you can help it—breaks will help keep you energized and safe from sunburn. And if you have any trouble with sunscreen staining your clothes, see our previous blog post for tips on how to get it out!

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