Summer is a time for outdoor activities, fun in the sun, and lots of laughter. But too much sun can mean painful and uncomfortable sunburn. Follow these tips to keep your skin safe from sunburn this summer.
1. Wear Sunscreen
The most important way to avoid getting a sunburn is to wear sunscreen every day. Choose sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to all exposed skin before you go outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
2. Seek Shade
Avoiding direct sunlight, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is one of the best ways to protect your skin from burns and other effects of UV radiation. When possible, stay in the shade as much as possible – under trees, umbrellas or other shade structures – to minimize your exposure to the sun’s rays.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing is another effective way to keep your skin safe from the sun’s rays. Look for clothing made with tightly woven fabrics that don’t allow much sunlight through and hats with wide brims that cover your face, neck, and ears are also recommended for full coverage protection from UV rays when spending time outdoors in sunny weather conditions.
4. Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses provide additional protection for your eyes from UV radiation that can cause damage over time like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Look for sunglasses that block 99%–100% of UVA and UVB radiation and are labeled “UV 400” or “100% UV protection” on their lenses or packaging before buying them.
5. Check the UV Index Before Going Outdoors
The ultraviolet (UV) index tells you how strong the sun’s rays are in your area on any given day so you can plan accordingly for outdoor activities like going for a walk or having a picnic in the park. The higher the number on the index, the stronger UVA/UVB rays will be so be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing if it’s high before going out in the sunshine.
6. Use Self-Tanning Products
Self-tanning products are another good way to get some color while avoiding burning your skin in direct sunlight. Self-tanning lotions, creams, gels, mists, sprays, etc., all contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which reacts with dead cells on top of your skin when applied externally giving you an artificial tan without exposing yourself to dangerous levels of UV radiation.
7. Avoid Tanning Beds & Booths
Tanning beds/booths use very intense levels of UVA/UVB radiation which can cause serious damage over time including increased risk of developing melanoma , accelerated aging , wrinkles , dryness , freckles , age spots , etc. Therefore it’s best not use tanning beds at all if you want healthy looking skin this summer.
8. Drink Plenty Of Water To Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important no matter what season it is but especially during hot summer months when you spend more time outdoors in direct sunlight. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your body cool while also flushing out any toxins released by sweat which can help prevent dehydration related illnesses like heat stroke & exhaustion.
9. Eat Foods Rich In Antioxidants To Protect Your Skin From The Sun’s Rays
Eating foods rich in antioxidants like fruits & vegetables also helps protect your skin from oxidative damage caused by UVA/UVB rays because they help fight free radicals that can cause cell damage over time leading to premature aging & wrinkles. Some foods known for their high antioxidant content include blueberries , raspberries , blackberries , tomatoes , carrots , spinach & kale among many others so make sure to include them in your diet this summer !
Following these tips will help protect your skin from burning this summer while still allowing you enjoy outdoor activities without worry! Don’t forget - sunscreen should be used year round even when there isn’t much sunshine outside so make sure apply it each day before heading outdoors!
