Summer is the season 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 prepared to deal with sun safety risks.
The sun’s UV rays 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. They not only apply to your children, but to all members of your family as well!
Avoiding the Sun’s Rays Directly
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.
Use Sunscreen with the appropriate SPF level
Sunscreen is vital to children and adults alike. You should look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when purchasing a new sunscreen. 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.
Wear Sunglasses and protective clothing whenever possible on sunny days
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.
In addition, lightweight and protective clothing are extremely helpful in preventing UV rays from damaging your skin. Try long sleeve shirts, pants, and similar clothes that offer moisture-wicking so you don’t overheat on a sunny day. Protective clothing is crucial if there are limited shaded areas for rest and avoiding direct sun exposure.
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!