As summer is just around the corner, many people take advantage of the warmer weather and spend more time outdoors. While it is good for us to soak up some sun after the cold winter, it can also mean trouble for our skin. It is a fact that even 90% of skin cancer is caused by overexposure to the sun. Sun rays contain UV radiation, which may lead not just to skin cancer, but to other issues as well such as premature aging of the skin, cataracts, wrinkles, etc. The amount of damage depends on the length of your exposure to sun, the strength of the sun and whether your skin is protected.
Talking about sun protection, here are few simple tips to bear in mind if you want to avoid the above mentioned issues.
Beach Wear – Long pants and long-sleeved shirts in bright colours can provide great protection for your skin. Also, there is a type of clothing that comes with ultraviolet protection factor and this means superior sun protection. If this type of clothing is not practical for you, you can never go wrong with beach cover-ups. Whether you are planing to lounge by the poolside or have some fun on the beach, there is a suitable beach wear for every type of body. You can select your favourite pieces from the wide array of trendy and timeless beach wear collections and enjoy your time outdoors.
Shade – One way to protect your skin from the strong UV rays, is to stay in the shade as much as possible. UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, so make sure to stay away from the sun during this part of the day. Bring a beach umbrella or find your shelter under the trees to escape the scorching sand and harmful sun rays. This does not mean you cannot enjoy the beautiful weather, on the contrary, you can still have fun on the beach.
Hat – From different colours to different styles, hats offer a great sun protection, especially to the face, the back of the neck, ears and scalp. These parts of the body are extremely exposed to the sun, so during summertime, wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a must. But before adding one to your beach wear outfit, think about the ideal shape and size for your head.
Sunglasses – Make sure not to forget your sunglasses at home whenever you go outside on hot summer days. Not wearing sunglasses puts you at a risk of developing cataracts and damaging the sensitive skin around your eyes. They provide great protection from UV rays, but before you buy a pair, make sure they are labeled to block both UVB and UVA rays as this type of sunglasses provides the highest protection. Darker sunglasses do not necessarily provide better protection than others, but those with larger frames are more likely to protect your eyes from the sunlight coming in from various angles.
Sunscreen – Sunscreen is a must, not just in the summer but all year long, even on days when it’s cold and cloudy. Before leaving your home, do not forget to apply sunscreen with at least 15 sun protection factor. Remember, sunscreen is not made to prolong your exposure to the sun, but to provide some protection while outside. The higher SPF, the higher protection.
