Warm temperatures, longer days, blue skies…they all mean more time spent outside and more chances to expose your skin in the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Here are five tips to enjoy the summertime while still staying safe:
Stay in the Shade
The sun’s rays are at their strongest and most powerful between the hours of 10 am-4 pm. This means that if you have to go outside for any length of time that you should avoid direct exposure to the sun. This means sitting under an umbrella if you’re going to go to the beach or staying under the restaurant’s awning while eating lunch outside.
Wear the Appropriate Clothing
Your clothing can also block out some of the sun’s damage. You must wear clothing with tightly woven fabrics (hold the item up to the light; if the light doesn’t shine through then it can provide some protection. See-through clothing will not provide protection). Always wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat (especially if you’re going to be gardening or spending any length of time outdoors).
Do Not Skip the Sunscreen
While people realize the importance of sunscreen so many people still don’t wear it regularly. You should be wearing sunscreen every day. Yes, every day! Even on cloudy days and cold winter days. Why? Because the sun can still reflect off water and snow and penetrate through clouds to damage your skin. Wearing sunscreen every day without fail is one of the best summer safety tips you can adopt.
Know What Sunscreen to Use
You should look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect your skin from both UVB and UVA rays, causing skin tanning, aging, wrinkles and possibly skin cancer. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your body and face about 30 minutes before going outside. Remember to reapply every two hours, or immediately after sweating or swimming.
Just Say No to Tanning Beds
You may think a tan looks healthy but it’s anything but. There is no safe or healthy tan, just ask your doctor. If you are someone who uses tanning beds you must stop using them right away, as they are not only causing wrinkles they can also greatly increase your risk for skin cancer.
Keep your skin safe all summer long and your skin will thank you for years to come. Of course, it’s also a good idea to visit a doctor once a year for an annual skin cancer screening. If you would like to treat wrinkles and sun-damaged skin such as sunspots, you can learn more about our Botox, Juvederm filler and Microneedling services. They are non-surgical cosmetic treatments that can improve your skin texture and help skin rejuvenation.