Staying Safe in the Sunlight

Sunshine feels great and is beneficial for both mental and physical health. It provides us with vitamin D, which promotes bone health, and it triggers our brains to release hormones to improve our moods. However, too much sunlight can also be harmful, as it contains UV rays that can burn skin, break down skin’s elasticity and even cause cancer. Follow these tips to enjoy those summer rays without risk!

Take Cover

The easiest way to prevent sun damage is simply to limit the amount of skin that is exposed to the sun’s light. Wear long sleeves, pants and wide-brimmed hats whenever possible. Protecting your eyes is key as well, so be sure to choose sunglasses with full UV protection. It can even be helpful to use an umbrella to block the sun from shining directly on you.

Lotion Up

In the summer, Earth is closer to the sun, making its light more direct and more harsh. Always use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, and make sure it says “broad spectrum” to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. If you wear any cosmetic products, try to select those that include SPF for added protection. And don’t forget your lips — your lip balm should contain protection from the sun as well.

Dry Off

Be extra careful if you’re swimming; not only does sunscreen wear off more quickly in the water, but wet clothing allows more harmful rays through than dry clothing does. So when you get out of the water, towel off carefully, put on a shirt or beach cover-up and reapply your sunscreen!

Watch Out

Finally, stay observant. Ensure that your sunscreen hasn’t expired, which can affect its performance. Always check the UV Index when you’re spending a day outside. If it’s over seven, stay in the shade as much as possible. And stick to the shade to the best of your ability whenever your shadow is shorter than you. This usually occurs between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Have a wonderful summer filled with pool days, hiking, festivals and whatever other outdoor activities you enjoy. But be sure to stay diligent to keep yourself and your family safe while under those beautiful rays!