Protecting your skin from the sun has never been more important. With temperatures seemingly rising each year, the risk of skin damage, including developing skin cancer, increases for every person who spends even a small amount of time in the sun.
In the US alone, over 5 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every single year. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the most common type of cancer currently. 4.3 million cases of these five million diagnoses are non-melanoma skin cancers; however, there are over 63,000 new cases of melanoma each year, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
These statistics, however, should not deter you from basking in the sun. In fact, soaking up the sun not only boosts your mental well-being and uplifts your spirits but also replenishes your body’s vitamin D levels, which are crucial for various bodily functions. The key is to balance sun exposure with proper skin protection, especially during peak temperatures, which are prevalent in some regions this year.
This post is going to take a quick look at some of the different ways you can protect yourself and your skin and still enjoy the summer sun wherever you are.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a fantastic way to protect your skin from the damage caused by UV rays. However, it is essential to note that sunscreen doesn’t block the UV rays completely; it just provides added protection.
You need to make sure that you are liberally applying sunscreen to all parts of your body that are not covered by clothing. This includes your face, neck, arms, tops of feet, scalp, hairline, etc. These days, you can get different types of sun cream for different types of applications, and you can get sunscreen that is specifically designed for the more delicate areas of your body, such as lip balm or scalp protection, to cover all parts of your exposed head.
To use sunscreen effectively, apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it every two hours. If you’re swimming or sweating, it’s crucial to reapply sunscreen more frequently, as these activities can wash away the protective layer. Use sunscreen with a high SPF for maximum protection, but remember that a higher SPF doesn’t mean you can stay in the sun longer. If you do get sunburnt, using a cream for sun exposed skin can help soothe the burn and replenish moisture.
Seek Shade
It is really important that you seek shade at the hottest times of the day. Walking in shaded areas where buildings protect the surroundings from the sun and provide some relief from the heat is a good idea. You can also put on parasols or shelters, for example, or sit under trees in direct sunlight.
Seeking shade, particularly between 12 pm and 4 pm, is crucial as this is when the sun’s damaging effects are most potent. The sun is at its highest, and temperatures soar, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Therefore, it’s vital to find shade in any form during these times and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Loose Clothing
Opting for loose clothing can provide an additional layer of protection against the sun. However, it’s important to note that even thin and lightweight clothing can allow some UV rays to penetrate, so it’s crucial to use sunscreen and wear at least a thin shirt over your shoulders.
- Long-sleeved shirts, pants, or long skirts that cover a lot of skin.
- Dark colors can typically provide more protection than lighter colors.
- Opt for tightly woven fabric for more protection over loosely woven clothing.
- Dry fabric is more protective than wet fabric.
- Choosing protective clothing that is labeled as having a UV protection factor can increase skin protection, especially when undertaking water sports.
- Seek out laundry detergents on the market that can help increase the UV protection factor of clothing you already own (they do this by adding crystals to clothing when washed to add layers of UV protection).
Wide Brim Hats
Any hat is an excellent idea in the sun as it can help protect your scalp; however, caps and wider hats are ideal for adding all-around protection for your head, face, and even shoulders.
Due to their position on the body, these are the most sensitive parts and can be damaged much more easily by the sun.
Ideally, you want to pick a baseball cap with about seven inches of fabric draping down the sides and back for added skin protection for your head, face, and neck. A wide-brimmed hat with at least a two—to three-inch brim all around is a great option for some protection, as this covers areas of your body such as your eyes, nose, and scalp.
Eye Protection
Not all sunglasses are created equal when it comes to eye protection. Look for specific UV-blocking sunglasses that offer the best protection for your eyes and the delicate skin around them. The ideal sunglasses for hot weather should block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Always check the label when purchasing sunglasses to ensure they provide this level of protection. If there’s no label, it’s best to assume the sunglasses don’t offer UV protection.
Information on sunglasses to help you find the right pair includes
- A label saying UV absorption of up to four hundred and
- A label stating it meets ANSI UV requirements
- Cosmetic sunglasses block out 70% of UV rays
- Do not presume darker sunglasses block out more, as this isn’t always the case
Choosing large or oversized sunglasses, larger frames, or wrap-around sunglasses can protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them and offer protection for your face.
If you already wear eyeglasses, check with your optician or manufacturer to see if they offer protection against UV rays. This isn’t always applicable or always possible. However, it isn’t a feature on some glasses, so always check to see if you have UV protection in eyeglasses and even some contact lenses to protect some parts of the eye and the skin around it.
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Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
