Summer is here and the sun is shining. So while you are enjoying the heat and daylight, you also have to protect your skin and body. The summer months should serve as a reminder for all to take extra precautions while outside.
Skin is the largest organ of the body and skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. Overexposure to the sun increases your risk of skin cancer, but avoiding it is very much in your control.
Healthy Summer Skin Tips
- 15 Rule — Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, use at least 15 SPF and reapply often.
- Waterproof it — If you are swimming or exercising outdoors, use water-resistant or water-proof SPF, so you don’t have to reapply as often.
- Who’s the fairest of them all — The fairer your skin, the higher SPF you need. But this does not mean that you can forget the SPF if you have more melanin, which is the pigment that makes the skin darker. Everyone should use sunscreen.
- Strong summer sun — There is more daylight during the summer and the sun is strongest from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., so plan accordingly. If you like to go for walks, run outside or participate in other outdoor activities, try doing so in the morning before 10 a.m. or in the evening after 4 p.m.
- Mirror, mirror — The sun has the ability to reflect off of water, sand, and even snow, so be aware of where you are when enjoying the outdoors.
- Don’t forget the kiddies — Children should use at least 30 SPF. Babies less than 6 months old should not be out and exposed to the sun.
- Hard to reach spots — Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, nose, neck, lips, even your scalp and every hard to reach spot that gets ignored.
- Accessories can help — For extra protection wear a hat with a wide brim, long sleeves or pants to hide your skin from the sun. Also try carrying an umbrella for more protection, rain or shine.
- Don’t forget about your eyes — Your eyelids have very thin skin. Therefore, sunglasses become imperative. They don’t have to be expensive or fancy. The key is making sure they absorb UV rays 99 to 100% of the time.
- Insects and SPF — Bug spray can weaken the SPF of your sunscreen. Therefore, if you are going to keep the mosquitoes away while playing in the sun, use a higher SPF.
- Water, please — Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Better skin health and health in general is related to how well your body is hydrated.
What number SPF do you use? Do you have any special tricks to keep you safe in the sunshine? Be smart about fun in the sun and enjoy summer to the fullest.
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