Your skin is tough but not invincible. The summer sun is warm but it does emit some harmful rays that can damage your skin and lead to unhealthy results. Here are some tips to keep you feeling warm but not toasted.
The Pros and Cons of the Sun
The sun provides light and heat for the earth and for our bodies. The sun is also an integral part of the workings of our body. The skin makes vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. That vitamin D in return helps to synthesize calcium.
But there is such thing as too much of a good thing. The sun emits ultraviolet rays – UVA and UVB to be exact. These rays can penetrate the outer layer of the skin. UVB rays go through to the deepest layers of the dermis, causing damage to the cells there. This damage can lead to more serious conditions like the development of skin cancers.
If you love the sun, you don’t have to give that up just because of its effects. Protect yourself from the beginning so that sunburns are not an issue.
Preventing Sunburn
It is important to note that even when the sun is not shining, the rays are still being emitted through the clouds and also through windows of cars and buildings. So, just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it can’t still be burning you. It may take a few hours for you to feel that you have been exposed.
- Wear sunscreen – Sunscreen allows certain rays of the sun to pass through almost like a screen. It protects the skin against the more harmful rays. So, if you are someone who likes to tan, you can still achieve this. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when you are in the sun for a prolonged period of time. If you plan on getting into the water, use waterproof sunscreen made especially for frequent swimming.
- Use sunblock – On the more delicate skin of young children, sunblock protects them from the harmful rays. Apply all over (except the face) before going out even if they are just playing in the sand. Sun protection is important even if you are not spending the day at the beach but weeding the garden or exercising.
- Avoid the hottest times of the day – The sun is hottest between 10 am and 4 pm. This is when the sun is at the highest points in the sky. When exercising, stick to the cooler temperatures of early morning or late afternoon.
- Dress in light-colored cotton clothing – Cotton breathes to prevent excess perspiration and the light color won’t absorb sunlight so you stay cool. Covering exposed skin can prevent burns.
The sun is nice for you but not always nice to you if you aren’t prepared for it.
