Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
Since so many people spend a lot of time in the sun, it’s extremely important to protect your skin. There are certain skin protection tips and tricks you should know before heading outside.
Keep reading to learn how to protect your skin during the summer!
SPF 101: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
When spending time in the sun, it is important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The best way to protect your skin from the sun is to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. However, it is also important to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type and activities.
If you are going to be spending time in the water, be sure to choose a waterproof sunscreen. And if you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose a sunscreen that is hypoallergenic and won’t irritate your skin.
You can also find alternatives to sunscreen if you are not comfortable using it.
Sunscreen Application Tips to Get the Most Protection
Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside. This will give the sunscreen time to bind to your skin. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, chest, and back.
Use a generous amount of sunscreen, and be sure to reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Be sure to use enough sunscreen, using about 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) for an adult.
Check the UV Index
The UV Index is a scale from 1 to 11+ that rates the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation on a given day.
The higher the UV Index number, the greater the risk of sun damage to the skin. To protect the skin from the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology advises protecting your skin when the UV Index is 3 or higher.
Choosing the Right Clothing to Protect Your Skin
Cotton, linen, and silk are all great choices. Remember to cover up exposed skin, including your neck, ears, and head.
Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and pants made of breathable fabric will help keep your skin cool and protected from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you’ll be in the water, look for a shirt with a UPF rating of 50 or higher.
Other Skin Protection Tips
Wearing a hat or visor can help protect your face from the sun. Wearing sunglasses can also help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
You can also protect your skin by avoiding peak sun hours, which are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade when outside, especially during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest.
Listen to Your Body
When spending time in the sun, it is important to listen to your body and take breaks as needed. There are many ways to protect your skin from the sun, and each person should find the method that works best for them.
Some people prefer to use sunscreen, while others prefer to stay in the shade. Using a combination of both methods is often the most effective skin protection.
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