Summer is in full swing, which means that Americans will be spending their free time at the beach, lake, or pool. However, being exposed to the sun’s harmful rays for hours can have damaging effects on our skin, since skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
The following are effective ways to protect your skin from the sun:
Apply sunscreen
All sunscreens possess a sun protection factor (SPF), which indicates
their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. The higher the SPF, the more
protection the sunscreen has against the sun’s rays. Purchase sunscreens
with a SPF of 15 at least.
However, it’s imperative to understand that sunscreen isn’t exclusively for sunny days. UV rays are capable of reaching you on cloudy days as well. So apply sunscreen, no matter the weather outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or so.
Cover your skin
In addition to sunscreen, clothing is another way to protect your skin
from the sun. Dark colored clothing with tightly woven fabrics are the
most effective against harmful UV rays compared to white or loosely woven fabrics.
Wear a hat
Hats which cover your face, neck, and even ears can prevent harmful UV
rays away from your skin. Again, tightly woven fabric headwear offer better
protection than looser fibers, such as straw hats.
Wear sunglasses
They help protect your eyes from UV rays and the risk of cataracts. In
addition, sunglasses help protect the skin around your eyes and prevent
wrinkles from developing at a faster rate. Ensure that your sunglasses
have full UV protection.
Stay in the shade
Limit the amount of time you’re in the sun. The sun’s rays
are at their most intense between 10 AM and 4 PM. Rule of thumb: if your
shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at its peak, and
you should find shade.
Contact Primary Care Associates of Texas and schedule an appointment with our Fort Worth physicians today.