Sun Block: Tips to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
By Virginia Laird
With summer in full swing, many families are beginning to plan vacations and staycations. No matter which one your family is preparing to embark on, it is important to be ready for the summer sun. While the warmth of it can feel nice, relaxing, and bring pleasure (at times), there can be great danger in overexposure. Getting too much sun to cause sunburn, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke, which can happen more quickly than may be expected. There are ways to protect yourself from the scorching heat of the summer and still be able to enjoy it. A few of these ideas include:
- Find inside activities during the heat of the day
- Wear sunscreen
- Wear a hat (always)
Find Inside Activities During the Heat of the Day
There are a few hours of the day that are considered to be the "heat of the day." These are generally from noon until 4 p.m. This is when temperatures are at their hottest. During these times, try to find indoor activities. If indoor activities are not something on your agenda, at least find things to do that may offer good shade. Staying out of the direct sunlight during these times can help prevent heat-related illnesses, as well as sunburn.
Wear Sunscreen
Although you or a family member may not burn, the skin is vulnerable to harmful UV rays. Wearing sunscreen is not about whether or not a person burns in the sun. It is about preventing cancer and other damage to the skin caused by the sun. It is important to wear sunscreen all year long, but most certainly in the summer. Research recommends wearing a sunscreen that offers at least 15 SPF.
Wear a Hat (Always)
A hat can be crucial in protecting the face and neck from too much sun exposure. Even better, a hat protects the scalp. These areas of the body have delicate skin that (with overexposure to sun) can begin to show signs of aging very quickly. Because we all like to remain younger looking than we may actually be, protecting the face and neck from the sun is the first step in looking youthful.
Here's to hoping you will be able to enjoy the summer sun without a burn on your next adventure!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tucson, Ariz.