Warm weather means spending time outside barbecuing, playing sports, camping, and doing many other fun summer activities! But spending more time outside means exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. You should aim for 10-20 mins per day of early or late afternoon sun exposure to give your body a healthy dose of vitamin D. Though, most people will spend a lot more time outside, and a sunburn can occur within 30 mins of hanging out outside during high noon. So, what can you do to protect yourself? Check out these five things you can do to keep your skin happy and healthy all summer long!
Sunscreen: This may seem the most obvious way to protect your skin, but studies have found that the majority of adults do not use sunscreen on a regular basis. You can still burn when it’s cloudy, cold, or sitting next to a window with the sun shining in. UV rays can reflect off snow, pavement, and water, increasing your skin’s exposure. SPF 50 sunscreen is able to block 98 percent of UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming. There are several application options now, like the traditional squeeze bottle, sprays, roll-on tubes, and face sticks.
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Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray |
Sun Bum SPF 50 Original Roller Ball |
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick |
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Limit Time: When possible, limit your time spent outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During this time frame, the sun is at its strongest, even during the winter months. Try to plan your outdoor activities before or after this time. If you are going to be outside, be sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen.
Shade: Stick to hanging out in shady areas as much as possible, like under trees, umbrellas, or other outdoor shelters. You can still burn in the shade, either from the sun shining through open areas of a tree or the light reflecting off a surface. Still, your exposure to UV rays is greatly decreased compared to standing in direct sunlight.
Clothing: Staying covered up helps stop UV rays from reaching your skin. Some clothes provide more protection than others. Darker fabrics help absorb rays instead of allowing them to penetrate through. Wear a longer sleeve shirt instead of a tank top. The more your skin is covered, the safer you will be. Companies, like Columbia and Royal Robbins, have many options for lightweight, breathable outfits to keep you comfortable and sunburn free.
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Columbia Sportwear Men's PFG Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt |
Columbia Sportwear Women's Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt |
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Hats: Keep your head, ears, neck, and shoulders safe from skin damage by wearing a hat. There are so many different hat options on the market, like ball caps and wide-brimmed hats, that give you a ton of protection. It’s easier to throw on a hat before heading out than trying to sunscreen your head and neck.
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Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat |
Outdoor Research Swift Cap |
Buff CoolNet UV+ |
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Stay safe and have fun outside this summer!