10 Sun Protection Tips

The great outdoors is tons of fun, but you shouldn’t be skipping out on sun protection when you’re out there. Look after your skin with the help of these important tips!

Sun Protection | Tips to Keep Skin Healthy

While we frequently take care of our skin by moisturizing or using skin care products, protecting the skin against the sun is often a neglected or overlooked task. We may not realize it until we feel the burn or see how the heat has damaged our skin. Before our skin pays the price, here are some sun protection tips to help you have fun in the sun without jeopardizing your skin’s condition:

1. Apply Sun Block

This is very basic, of course. Whether you’re hanging out at the beach or hiking a mountain trail, good sunscreen is a must. Pick out your sunscreen according to your recommended SPF and make sure your skin is protected from the unrelenting UV rays.

2. Avoid the Sun Between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm

It’s between these times that the sun’s rays are most intense. If possible, stay inside during these hours. If not, at least find shade to keep you protected. Also, make sure you reapply your sunscreen frequently when you are out at these hours.

Sale

DDYOUTDOOR 07-281 Fashion Summer Outdoor Sun Protection Fishing Cap Neck Face Flap Hat...

• New Sun Cap with Flaps (Flaps are removable), Complete Sun Protection UVA / UVB
• IDEAL FOR CAMPING, BOATING, FISHING, HIKING OR GARDENING ，LARGE BILL AND BACK FLAP PROVIDES GREAT...
• MESH SIDE PANELS WITH 2 LARGE MESHED BRASS EYELETS FOR VENTILATION ，Windproof / UV protection /...

$15.99

Buy Now Price incl. tax, excl. shipping

3. Consider Sun Protection Clothing

If you really must be outside in the intense heat, consider the clothes you wear. This is especially important when engaged in outdoor sports or activities that won’t allow you to seek shade immediately. Wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting, and tightly woven shirts. There is even clothing with SPF available for when you’re doing water sports.

4. Accessorize to Protect

Beach hats aren’t just for fashion. They’re also meant to protect your face, neck, and ears from harmful sun rays. Likewise, sunglasses can protect your eyes and the surrounding skin from UV rays. However, avoid reflective sunnies. They may look great, but they bounce the UV rays to your cheeks.

Outback Trading Adult's Out of The Chute Durable Wool Western Cowboy Hat with Wire Brim,...

• TRADITIONAL WESTERN LOOK - The Out of the Chute Unisex Cowboy Wool Hat is rugged and elegant made...
• CRUSHABLE HAT - This Out of the Chute Australian Wool cowboy hat would not crush or bend regardless...
• UPF 50 PROTECTION - This Outback Trading hat for men and women isn't just for show; With UV 50+...

$89.99

Buy Now Price incl. tax, excl. shipping

5. Reapply Sun Block

You may think your initial application of sunscreen is enough to keep you protected the whole day, but it really isn’t. The frequency of your application is the key to skin protection. Remember, sunscreen protection wears off after a couple of hours.

6. Eat Food That Boosts Your Skin’s Sun Protection

There are different types of food that can lessen the risk of sunburn or sun damage by boosting your skin’s ability to defend itself and maintain its health. Citrus fruits, carrots, and green leafy vegetables help your skin combat harmful rays and stay healthy from the inside out.

7. Choose Cosmetics with Sun Protection

Some makeup products and contact lenses offer UV protection. Though their SPF is somewhat low and won’t be enough to give you lasting protection, they will still give you added protection from the sun while making you look fantastic.

8. Know Your Medications

Some medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Take extra precaution against the sun when you’re taking antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, blood pressure medications, or if you’re undergoing chemotherapy. It’s best to consult your doctor if your medications require you to be extra careful under the sun.

9. Be Careful Around Snow, Sand, and Water

This may be a bummer for those who love the beach. Sand, water, and snow reflect the harmful rays of the sun and increase the risk of sunburn. You can still have your fun at the beach, but in moderation and with extra precaution.

10. Pay Attention to the Weather News

The weather report usually includes the UV index – which is the measure of how damaging sun exposure could be on that day. This index is on a scale of 1 to 10+. When the index indicates 10 or higher, it’s wise to remain indoors.

For more sun protection tips, watch this video from Cancer Council Western Australia:

Being excited about going outdoors or simply being lazy may mean you normally skip out on the sun protection. However, don’t let that temptation get the best of you. Whether you’re out camping or enjoying the beach, always remember to keep your skin protected.

Do you have any sun protection tips we missed? Let us know in the comments section!

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API