Do you love the great outdoors? Do you spend a lot of time in the sun?
We all need some time outdoors in the fresh air, but the sun is one great beauty enemy. If you spend too much time in the hot sun, you can get skin damage and wind up with wrinkles.
It’s easy to get sun protection products in stores, but you need to realize that how you treat yourself can be more important than using a product.
Check out six great tips on how to protect yourself from the sun in order to keep your skin safe from the dangerous UV rays. Read on to learn more.
1. Choose the Right Sunscreen
Though we need sunlight to produce vitamin D, too much sun exposure can cause skin damage, eye damage, and even skin cancer. It’s important to take precautions when spending time outdoors, and choosing the right sunscreen is one way to protect yourself from the sun.
Check the SPF rating. The SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
The higher the SPF, the better the protection.
Look for “broad spectrum” on the label. This means the sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Choose an SPF of at least 30. This will protect your skin from 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.
Apply sunscreen generously. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen, so be sure to use enough to cover all exposed skin.
Reapply every two hours. Even waterproof sunscreen will need to be reapplied after swimming or sweating.
2. Consider Your Clothing
The sun can be very harmful to your skin, so it is important to protect yourself when you are outdoors. Clothing is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. A wide-brimmed hat will protect your face, neck, and shoulders from the sun.
Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
3. Seek Shade
One great way to protect yourself from the sun is to seek shade. It can provide protection from both UV rays and heat.
If there is no natural shade available, you can create your own shade with an umbrella, tarp, or other materials. You should also be aware of how the sun’s position changes throughout the day and take advantage of any available shade at different times.
Limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Read more about UV rays and learn how you can protect yourself and your family, whether you are outdoors or indoors.
4. Stay Hydrated Drink Plenty of Water
Applying sunscreen before venturing outdoors is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. But did you know that being well-hydrated can also help shield your skin?
Water helps keep your skin supple and better able to ward off the effects of sun exposure. Experts recommend consuming eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but this may vary depending on your activity level and environment.
Water is essential for life, so it’s vital for healthy skin. Skin cells are made up of water, so when you are dehydrated, your skin cells are deprived of the water they need to function properly.
This can lead to dry, flaky skin that is more susceptible to sun damage. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your skin cells hydrated and helps to prevent sun damage.
If you’re spending time in the heat or participating in strenuous activity, be sure to up your water intake accordingly. And of course, always carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated on the go.
5. Check the UV Index!
When you’re outside, it’s important to be aware of the UV index in order to properly protect yourself from the sun.
The first step is to check the UV index for your area. The UV index is a value between 0 and 11+ that represents the amount of UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface.
If the UV index is 3 or above, you should take extra precautions to avoid the sun. This includes wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If possible, you should also try to stay in the shade.
The UV index can be found in weather reports from your local news station or online. It’s important to check the UV index before going outside, especially if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.
6. Hats and Sunglasses are Your Friends
A wide-brim hat is an excellent way to protect your face, neck, and head from the sun. The brim of the hat will shade your face and help to keep the sun out of your eyes.
The hat will also help to keep your head cool and protect your scalp from sunburn. If you are going to be outside for an extended time, wear a wide-brim hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Protecting your eyes from the sun is important year-round, especially in summer when the sun’s rays are strongest. Polarized sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from the sun.
The lenses in polarized sunglasses block out the glare from the sun, making it easier to see. When choosing polarized sunglasses, look for a pair with a label that says “100% UV protection.” Wear sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
Also, ensure the lenses are dark enough to block the sun’s rays. Even if it’s cloudy, up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate the clouds.
How to Protect Yourself From the Sun The Quick and Easy Way
There are lots of things you can do regarding how to protect yourself from the sun, but the six great tips in this article are a great place to start. Wear sunscreen, seek shade and cover-up, and stay hydrated.
These tips will help you enjoy the sun safely all summer long!
Are you looking for more ways to stay healthy and fit? Check out our blog posts for more tips.
