It is time to pack the woolens and keep them in your store rooms or bed boxes as summers are fast approaching. Early sunrises and late sunsets have begun marking the arrival of spring. The sun shines bright, showering its rays upon you right at 8 in the morning. The vitamin D levels in your body are starting to balance and finally your hydration levels have gotten better. But soon, the sun rays will start becoming harsh as the summer progresses. At this point, protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The harmful summer rays of the sun not only tan your skin but also lead to painful sunburns and long term skin damage. If you do not protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays, it can even lead to skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime.
But, with proper precautions and safety measures, you can enjoy the sun’s warmth safely. Here are some effective ways to protect your skin from sunburns.
1. Apply Sunscreen
It will hardly take 2-3 minutes from your busy morning to apply sunscreen. Do not miss the sunscreen step from your skincare routine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously to the exposed skin about 15-30 minutes before stepping outdoors. You can reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. While choosing your sunscreen, make sure you choose the one according to your skin and if you have any skin allergies or disorders, it is crucial to seek doctor’s advice before using any sunscreen or skin care products.
2. Wear Protective Clothes
Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs when stepping out in the sun. Cover up with tightly woven, loose fitted clothes which covers most of your body refraining sunlight to touch your skin. Wear a hat or a stole to cover your face, neck and ears from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Sun protective clothing is also available in the market, which you can buy in order to seek protection from the sunburn causing rays.
Also read: Skin De-tan Tips At Home You Should Know Before Entering Summers
3. Seek Shade
Avoid stepping out in the sun as much as possible especially between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, the sun rays are at their peak at that time. Carry umbrellas or travel in cars, cabs or buses rather than bikes to protect yourself from the sun rays.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and fluids to hydrate your skin and body, as the burning summer sun can cause dehydration. Dehydrated skin is more prone to sunburn and skin damage. Carry a bottle wherever you go and keep drinking water in small intervals of time.
5. Practice Sun-safe Habits
Make sure you do not miss sun protection from your daily routine. Sun protection is significant not only when stepping outdoors but even while you are at home or indoors. Protecting your skin from the sun is not only limited to peak summers, but also on cloudy days.
Also read: Regular Sunscreen Or Sunscreen Sticks: Here’s How To Choose The Right One For You
Bottomline
Following the above tips can help you stay protected from the sun. The harmful UV rays of the sun not only reward you with sunburns but can also become a cause of skin cancer. So, stay sun-safe and shield yourself with necessary things.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. We advise you to visit a dermatologist if you have sun burns or any other skin problems.)