Summer has arrived, and while it can be fun to soak up the sun, it can also be dangerous for your skin. Here are a few tips1 to protect your skin from the sun, both in the summer and all year long.
Tips
- Stay out of the sun during the peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) of UV radiation and stay in the shade if you need to be outdoors.
- Wear protective clothing including:
- Wide-brimmed hats that protect the face and neck.
- Tightly-woven clothes made of thick material, such as unbleached cotton, polyester, wool, or silk.
- Dark clothes with dyes added that help absorb UV radiation.
- Loose-fitting long-sleeved clothes that cover as much of the skin as possible.
- Wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher and block UVA and UVB radiation.
- Be mindful if you are on sand or water as these surfaces can reflect 85% of the sun’s rays.
1. Healthwise, Healthwise.org