Skin cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, so it is vitally important that you protect yourself and your family from the potentially damaging effects of the sun.
Here are 10 ways to stay safe while you’re in the sun:
1. Choose the Proper Sunscreen
The easiest way to protect yourself from the sun is to apply some sunscreen. But remember – the sun protection factor, or SPF level, doesn’t actually show how strong the SPF will be, it simply provides a rough idea of how long it will protect you for.
Even with a high-quality sunscreen, you will often need to take further precautionary measures, especially if you’re going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period.
2. Stay in the Shade
During the hottest parts of the day it would be wise for you to stay in the shade. Use this as an opportunity to take a siesta or just cool down and grab a drink or some lunch.
Don’t worry; you’ll still get plenty of time to work on your tan during the rest of the day!
3. Dress Appropriately
Lightly coloured, loose-fitting clothing is ideal on a hot and sunny day. Long-sleeved shirts and shorts are perfect for times when you find yourself walking around in direct sunlight for extended periods.
4. Sunscreen Revisited
Going back to the topic of sunscreen, it is important to check that the product you use provides adequate UVA and UVB protection so that you are fully protected against ultraviolet light.
You should also avoid sunscreens containing vitamin A, PABA, and insect repellent, as the former two can be highly carcinogenic and the latter is best purchased as a separate product so that you can apply it only when required.
5. Sunglasses
With all this talk of protecting your skin, it’s important not to forget about your eyes! It is well worth spending a little extra cash to ensure you get a decent pair of shades that will provide you with an adequate amount of UV protection.
6. Tip your Hat
On the topic of essential accessories, it is always a good idea to wear a hat with a wide brim; this will protect the more sensitive skin on your cheeks, ears, nose, and neck, as well as providing a little extra shade to your eyes.
7. Stay Hydrated
The heat from the sun combined with UV rays can seriously dry out your skin and leave you dehydrated. This is why it is so important to keep plenty of water on hand at all times.
Remember, thirst is a lagging indicator; don’t let yourself become thirsty before drinking because by that point you’re already dehydrated.
8. Think of the Children
If you have little ones to look after, remember that they’re not going to be as vigilant as you when it comes to sun protection. Make sure the kids remain covered up and apply a high-SPF, child-friendly sunscreen every hour or two.
9. More Sunscreen Tips
Sunscreen is such an important part of your sun-protection regimen that you should strive to understand how to make the most of it. Make sure you use fresh sunscreen that is within its sell-by date and don’t judge a product simply by how nice it smells!
Also bear in mind that some cosmetic products, such as moisturisers, actually contain sunscreen, although these usually provide minimal protection so you should never rely on them solely.
10. Limit your Exposure
Last but by no means least, and probably the most obvious method of protecting yourself from the sun – stay inside!
Learn your limits. If you do want to increase your exposure to sunlight, do it gradually and don’t allow your skin to become dry or burnt. This will be counterproductive in terms of your health and the quality of your tan.
There is no doubt that getting plenty of sun yields some great health benefits, including boosting your immune system and protecting against some forms of cancer due to the vitamin D our bodies obtain from sunlight.
But there is always too much of a good thing, so keep these tips in mind next time you head out on a hot summers day.
About the author: This article was provided by Sunglasses UK, an online retailer of designer sunglasses. For more information on sun safety, visit Sunglasses UK.
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