The long days of summer are some of the most memorable for many people. And spending long hours in the sun is common for the time of year, but even though the rays of the sun feel great on your skin, they can cause irreversible damage. Long periods of exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet radiation (UV) can cause wrinkles, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Luckily, there are many ways that you can protect your skin from the UV rays of the sun, such as applying sunscreen, which will allow you to enjoy the summer, without worrying about your skin.
Limit Skin Exposure
When possible, wear long sleeve shirts, pants, and hats. Also, black clothing does a better job of blocking the sun's rays than lighter colors. Wear sunglasses that offer UV protection to protect your eyes as well as the area around your eyes.
Avoid Peak Hours
If you can, avoid spending too much time outdoors between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Between these hours the sun is at its strongest, and there is more potential for skin damage. Remember that even on a cloudy, overcast day, that UV rays can still reach the earth's surface and effect your skin.
Wear Plenty of Sunscreen
Many people make the mistake of only wearing sunscreen on sunny days, but the rays of the sun can be dangerous at anytime, even in the winter. Apply sunscreen whenever you are planning to be outdoors for long periods of time. Also, apply a generous amount and be sure to only use sunscreen which has a SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or more. Although a SPF of less than 30 is better than not using any sunscreen at all, the higher the SPF is, the better protection your skin will receive.
Reapply Sunscreen Often
Sunscreen should be reapplied every few hours, especially if there is potential for the sunscreen to wash off due to perspiration or swimming.
Feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin is one of the greatest pleasures in life, but don't make the mistake of absorbing the sun's rays without protection. Now more than ever, it's apparent how damaging the sun can be to our skin, so be sure to take the proper precautions before venturing outside.
If you are experiencing other issues with your skin and would like a consultation on how to restore and rejuvenate your skin, contact Dr. Patt today!
