Staying safe in the summer sun is a concern for all of us! We want to ensure our skin and bodies are protected and that we don’t feel the negative effects of too much sun! Too much sun can cause sunburn, sunstroke, dehydration, and more.
Here are some tips from the Cancer Council to stay sun-safe this summer.
Wear a shirt in the sun. Light clothing will give you far better protection than bare skin from the harmful UV rays. This is particularly important when the sun is at its strongest between 11 am and 2 pm!
Wear a hat. The Cancer Council recommends a wide-brimmed hat so that you are protected from the sun at every angle. A baseball cap might keep the sun from your eyes, but it doesn’t protect your neck, ears, or face.
Wear sunscreen. This might seem obvious, but it’s surprising just how many people forego sunscreen in the pursuit of a good tan! It’s recommended that you wear SPF 30 or higher. SPF30 filters out just over 96% of UV radiation, and SPF50 filters out 98%. When using sunscreen, always remember to put it on 20 minutes before heading outside, and reapply it every two hours.
Sit in the shade. This is the cheapest form of sun protection around! Sit under the shade of a tree, use an umbrella, or go inside, particularly during the strongest hours of UV.
Wear sunglasses. Have you ever had sore, irritated eyes after being out in the sun for a while? That’s the UV rays doing their work. By wearing UV protection sunglasses, you can protect your eyes from any sun damage.
The sun can still be enjoyed while remaining safe this summer, just take precautions, remain hydrated, and keep safe!