Stay Safe in the Sun this Summer

It can be easy to forget about protecting yourself against the sun when vacations, lounging poolside, and backyard BBQs are on your mind. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that the more time you plan to spend outdoors and in direct sunlight this summer, the more you should take caution and use sun protection.

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Preventing sunburn in the summer may seem difficult, particularly if your skin type is prone to it, but it is possible as long as you know how to protect yourself. Although these sun protection measures aren’t entirely foolproof, you can reduce your risk of sunburn, eye damage, skin cancer, and premature photoaging by limiting your UV radiation exposure (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

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Staying safe in the sun this summer doesn’t need to be troublesome. With some sun safety tips, you can participate in your summer plans safely while knowing you’re protecting your skin from sun damage!

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Wear Covered and Protective Clothing

With temperatures heating up outside, it can be tempting to wear less clothing. To protect your skin from sun damage, you should opt to stay covered as comfortably as possible if planning to spend an extended period of time outside. Flowy, lightweight tops and pants can keep you feeling cool and protect your skin from harm. Some clothing can also provide additional protection if they have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), guaranteeing the level of protection in the fabric (Cancer Council, n.d.). 

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Use a Water-Resistant Sunscreen

When your skin isn’t as covered by clothing, wearing a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher will add a layer of protection for your skin. Remember to apply a generous amount of sunscreen before going outdoors this summer and reapplying after swimming, every two hours, or as directed on the product label. Sunscreen can only work well if you are diligent about applying and reapplying. It is also not a foolproof layer of protection. If you plan to be in the sun all day, you should prepare to have other sun safety measures in place (Cancer Council, n.d.).

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Wear a Hat and Sunglasses

Not only are hats and sunglasses fashionable accessories, but they can also provide additional sun protection to your face, eyes, and scalp! The larger the hat, the more shaded your face, neck, ears, and nose will be from the sun. Sunglasses will also protect your eyes from damage, and it's recommended to wear them anytime the sun is shining. Wearing a proper hat and sunglasses can help reduce your risk of eye damage and exposure to UV rays by up to 98 percent (Cancer Council, n.d.).

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Seek Out Shaded Areas

When spending time outside, try to plan spaces where you can retreat for a while, and know ahead of time that you will have access to a shaded area. If planning ahead of time isn’t in the cards, try your best to look for a shady spot. You can find natural shade from trees if you won’t be near building structures. Otherwise, buildings and other large structures provide good places to retreat from the sun. Patios with tents or umbrellas are also good spots to seek out, and if the location you plan to be in doesn’t have a shaded area, like a beach or a lake, you can always cast your own shade by bringing an umbrella. Similar to other protection measures, being in the shade will only reduce your exposure to the sun, not eliminate it. UV rays can still reach you in reflections, and the amount of shade available will shift throughout the day as the sun changes position in the sky. This means you should not rely entirely on shade for your sun protection (Cancer Council, n.d.).

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Avoid the Hottest and Brightest Time of Day

The brightest and typically the hottest time of day is around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., meaning the UV rays will be at their strongest during this period. To protect yourself from the sun, avoid being outdoors during this time as this will help limit your exposure to the sun. Although, it can be understandable if you don’t or can’t avoid the sunlight since most activities occur during these times. If avoiding the sun isn’t attainable, just be mindful of how much time you are outdoors during these hours and use multiple layers of protection (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

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Practice Sun Safety Even When You’re Not Outside

Exposure to UV radiation is still possible even if you’re not in direct sunlight. UV rays from the sunlight can still reach you while driving a car, sitting in front of windows, and even on cloudy days. To lower your risk of sun damage, it’s recommended to take safety precautions even during these circumstances and know that sun safety is important not just during the summer, but all year round (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.).

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Remain Hydrated While in the Sun

Hydration is a vital part of life, but staying hydrated is even more important during the summer as the sun can dehydrate you faster than any other time of year. Hotter weather translates to more sweating for the average person, meaning a higher chance of water loss in your body. Dehydration can cause heat exhaustion, cramps, and heatstroke. To stay hydrated in the summer, ensure you always have water on hand or that you have easy access to clean water. Drinking water periodically, avoiding or limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake, and consuming fruits and vegetables with a high water content will all help you to remain hydrated (Krans, 2016). Aim for the recommended amount of water daily, which is eight cups, with each cup having eight ounces. Depending on your lifestyle and your environment, this intake may vary. Even if you have exceeded this water recommendation, pay attention to your body and drink more water as needed (Gunnars, 2020).

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Look Out for High Heat Warnings and Seek Refuge When Needed

Some days are simply too hot for our bodies to endure for long periods. When a heat warning has been issued for your area, consider staying indoors with access to air conditioning. If this isn’t attainable, make sure you are practicing sun and heat safety measures and limit your time outdoors (Krans, 2016). Whether there is a heat warning or not, listening to how your body feels when outdoors and practicing sun safety will ensure you have a fun and safe experience this summer!

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Bridge Homes cares about your safety year-round, whether you're indoors or outdoors. Remember to have fun and stay safe in the sun this summer! 

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Sources:

Be sunsmart 

How much water should you drink per day? 

What to wear, drink, Eat, & Do if you want to beat the heat 

Sun-damaged skin: Photoaging, signs, causes & treatment

‍Photo by Kindel Media: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sun-drawing-sunscreen-on-child-s-back-photo-8276909/