The summer sun may feel good, but it can cause damage to your skin if you’re not careful! The damaging effects of the sun won’t appear right away, but they can cause age spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.
Over time, the UV rays from the sun harm the elastin fibers in the skin. When these fibers break down, the skin can begin to sag and stretch. It also causes the skin to bruise and tear more easily.
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time outside in the sun, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your skin. Here are some tips to help you and your family stay sun-safe this summer!
Cover up.
When you’re out in the sun, wear enough clothing to cover as much skin as possible. A wide-brimmed hat can help cover your face, and sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV light will help protect your eyes.
Use sunscreen.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming and sweating. Choose a sunscreen with “broad spectrum” on the label. This means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to skin cancer and premature aging, so it’s important to make sure your sunscreen protects against these rays as well as UVB rays that cause sunburns.
Find shade.
Limit direct exposure to the sun by seeking shade when possible. Invest in a good umbrella or sun tent to create a refuge from the harsh sun rays while you’re enjoying the outdoors.
Stay away from tanning beds.
Tanning beds and sunlamps can cause serious long-term damage to your skin and can contribute to skin cancer. Instead of relying on these harmful tanning methods, try a self-tanning lotion or spray instead. These can help you get that summer glow without causing damage to your skin.
It is possible to have fun in the sun this summer without causing long-term damage to your skin!
Recent Comments