Avoidance – Try to avoid going out in the sun between the hours of 10am and 4pm, at the height of summer. Babies younger than 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Wear Suncream – Wearing suncream is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from the sun. Apply it generously to all exposed skin 20 – 30 minutes before you leave the house. Don’t skimp on the suncream. Remember to reapply every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming, even if it says that it provides all day protection!
If you have naturally brown or black skin, the extra melanin pigment in the skin cells may provide a bit more protection against harm from UV rays but sun protection is still necessary.
Be careful when choosing a suncream, choose one that protects against UVA and UVB radiation. Find a suncream that is kind to you as well as the planet. Do some research before purchasing. Check the expiry date. Most suncreams only last 2 – 3 years.
Protect your lips – Your lips are just as susceptible to sun damage as the rest of your skin, so be sure to apply a lip balm or Chapstick that contains SPF on a regular basis.
UV Index – Before you spend any time in the sun, be sure to check the UV index for your area. The UV index is a scale that ranges from 0 to 11, with 0 being the lowest and 11 being the highest. The higher the number, the more intense the UV radiation will be.
For example, it takes 60 minutes to burn with a low UV index of 0 to 2, but only 10 minutes to burn with a high UV index of 11. So if the UV index is high, be sure to take extra precautions to protect yourself!
Cover up – It’s important to cover up as much skin as possible when you’re going to be spending time in the sun. This means wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face. Sun protective clothing: There are many brands that offer sun protective clothing, which is clothing made from fabric that has been specially woven or treated to block UV rays. This type of clothing is often used by athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, but it can be worn by anyone who wants extra protection from the sun.
Sunglasses – Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory. They’re also an important tool for protecting your eyes. Look for sunglasses that block out at least 99% of UV rays and be sure to wear them every time you go outside.
Seek the Shade – Whenever possible, try to stay in the shade when you’re spending time outdoors. This will help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. If there is no natural shade available, you can use a sun umbrella to create a shady spot for yourself on the beach or in the back garden.
Be careful near water, sand and snow – These surfaces can increase your risk of sunburn because they reflect UV radiation back up at you. Be sure to take extra precautions.
Medication – If you are on any type of medication be sure to read the label. Some medication can cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun.
Drink plenty of water – Sun exposure can cause dehydration throughout your whole body so it is essential to consume plenty of fluids.
Penny Lynch
