Now that warm weather is here, many of us are spending more time outdoors. Whether it’s a daylong trip to the beach or sports field, or just mowing the yard, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Even just a few minutes can cause damage to your skin if you have a light skin tone. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Always use sunscreen. This may seem obvious, but every single day, people get sunburned because they intend to spend just a short time outside, and an hour or two later, return to the indoors with bright pink skin that will be burning in an hour. Every time you go outside, make it a habit to apply a broad-spectrum, high SPF (at least 30) sunscreen. Be sure to reapply according to the directions on the sunscreen – more often when exercising or in the water.
Find a great hat. Not only does wearing a hat help keep the sun out of your eyes, but a wide-brimmed hat also provides an extra layer of protection to the thinner, more delicate skin on your face and neck. An umbrella can also help shield your skin from the sun.
Lightweight, long sleeved fabrics. Provide great protection from the sun. Lightweight fabrics such as linen are not only cool and comfortable but will provide an extra barrier between your skin and the sun. They are an ideal option for many outdoor activities and provide great sun protection.
Finally, eyes are important too. The sun can also do damage to your eyes. Wearing sunglasses helps protect the from the sun’s rays, and also protects the sensitive skin around your eyes. Look for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money on sunglasses. In a report by NBC’s Jeff Rossen, he revealed that even cheap drug store sunglasses can protect eyes just as well as the expensive designer sunglasses. What’s the secret? Look for the sticker that says “100 percent UV protection” or “UV 400” for the best protection for your eyes.
