Sun Protection Made Simple
By Brandi Goodman
The sun is bright and shining and you want to go outside. That's all fine and well, as long as you keep some tips in mind. The sun can be enticing, but it also has its drawbacks. The heat and harmful UV rays can do some serious damage to your skin and health. With sun protection made simple, you'll be able to enjoy the nice weather without worrying.
Start With Sunscreen
Sunscreen with a UV protectant needs to be applied any time you're outdoors. Don't just wait until it's actually bright and sunny. Even cloudy days can allow the sun's rays to beam through and do you harm. Wear sunscreen regularly and keep yourself protected.
Stay Shaded When It's Hottest
During the hottest times of day -- typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. -- you should do what you can to stay shaded. Either stay indoors or bring along some shade options for yourself. A hat is a good start. An umbrella is even better. You could also find a tree to sit under or an awning of a building so the sun can't reach you.
Wear Sunglasses
Your eyes are especially susceptible to the sun. Make sure to wear sunglasses when you're outside -- especially on the sunniest days. You should skip the dollar store pairs and get some with UV protection.
Choose Dark or Bright Colors
Some people think wearing black is going to attract the sun and be worse for you. The opposite is actually true. Darker colors can absorb the UV rays from the sun, keeping them from harming your skin. Lighter colors are more likely to let the rays in. You should wear dark or bright colors to help your skin stay safe. Avoid wearing white and really pale shades.
Stay Hydrated
The heat is a major part of the problem that comes with time in the sun. You can get heat exhaustion quickly, especially if you aren't staying hydrated. You need to drink plenty of water when you're spending time outside so you can keep your body working well and able to handle the heat. Keep a small cooler with you if you can so the bottles can stay chilled and not get hot.
Enjoy your time outdoors with these simple sun protection tips in mind. You need to do what you can to keep your skin safe and your health a priority -- no matter if it's a sunny day or not.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Roseville, Calif.