It’s summer with all its sunshine glory and for many the urge to soak up the sun has taken over. As you enjoy the warmer weather, do be mindful of the dangers of too much sun exposure. Here is a list of things you can do every day to prevent the sun from damaging your skin.

Eight daily steps to prevent sun-damaged skin

  1. Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays are at their strongest.
  2. Use sunscreen on exposed skin every day, regardless of the season or the weather as most of our sun exposure is incidental or unplanned.
  3. Wear a hat to prevent the delicate skin on the face, ears and neck from the harsh sun. A wide-brimmed hat with a rim of at least 5 cm is best.
  4. Re-apply sunscreen regularly on days when you have to spend time outdoors. Even sunscreens that claim to be are not completely water, sweat or bug-proof and re-applications about every two hours or every time you sweat or swim are necessary.
  5. Wear dark, loose clothing with long sleeves and legs. Darker colours are better at absorbing UVA (long wave) and UVB (short wave) rays. Special ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing with a coating to absorb damaging UV rays are now on the market, but regular dark clothes in tightly woven fabrics will also offer some protection.
  6. Wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from damaging UV rays. Wider or larger lenses will provide better protection and ensure the pair you buy will block up to 99% of UV rays.
  7. Remember to protect your lips. The skin on the lips is very thin and especially vulnerable to sun damage. Lip protection balm should also be re-applied every two hours.
  8. Avoid sunbeds and tanning salons. The UV rays emitted by the lamps on sunbeds are actually more intense than that of the sun, so skin damage can occur much quicker.

 

Sources
Various, 1996. Reader’s Digest Good Health Fact Book. Reader’s Digest.
www.listentoyourskin.org
www.shape.com
www.webmd.com