5 Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Sun Damage

For many people, summer means spending time outside and soaking up the sun. It’s important to note, however, that just 15 minutes of sun exposure can cause damage to your skin. The sun can cause everything from sunburns to premature aging to skin cancer. Before you head outdoors, make sure you take the following precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from sun damage.

1. Apply Sunscreen

One of the most important ways to protect your skin from sun damage is to wear sunscreen and reapply it often. Make sure the sunscreen you choose has an SPF of at least 30 for effective sun protection. All Good SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Spray and All Good SPF 30 Kid’s Sunscreen Spray are both great mineral sunscreen options that aren’t sticky, greasy, smelly, or full of chemicals. You should apply sunscreen liberally 15 minutes before going out in the sun, then reapply at least every two hours to maintain optimal protection. Make sure you also protect the sensitive skin of your lips by applying a lip balm with SPF.

2. Stick to Shade

If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from sun damage, make finding shade a priority. Whenever possible, try to stay in the shade while you’re spending time outdoors. This will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. If natural shade isn’t available, such as at the beach or at a sporting event, bring an umbrella or canopy tent to create a shady spot to sit under. It’s especially important to seek out shade during the peak hours of UV radiation, which are between 10:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon.

3. Wear Protective Clothing

It can be tempting to wear light, short clothing when you’re spending time outdoors in the summer to try to stay cool. However, if you want to protect yourself against sun damage, it’s essential to cover up as much skin as possible to reduce exposure. Consider wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize the amount of skin exposed to the sun’s rays. Opt for tightly woven fabrics, as these provide a better barrier between your skin and the sun. If possible, wear clothing made from fabric that has been treated to block UV rays such as those designed for athletes and outdoorsmen.

4. Accessorize

Sunglasses and hats are not just fashionable accessories. These items can provide additional protection against sun damage. A wide-brimmed hat shades your face, ears, and neck from the sun. Avoid straw hats, as these are full of holes that allow the sun to reach your skin. Instead, choose hats made from tightly woven fabrics like canvas. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them from the sun’s rays. Too much sun exposure can cause worsened vision, cataracts, and other damage to the eyes. Look for sunglasses that block out at least 99 percent of UV rays for optimal protection.

5. Swap to Self-Tanner

Many people want a sun-kissed glow during the warmer months. There’s a safer way to get your desired tan without exposing your skin to UV rays. Self-tanner is a safe alternative that can be found in the cosmetic section. There are many types of self-tanner on the market, including lotions, gels, foams, etc. These products are applied to the skin to create the appearance of a tan without spending time in the sun. Look for a self-tanner that is waterproof and has SPF to provide additional protection from the sun when you do head outside.

Treating Sunburn

These are some of the best ways to protect yourself from sun damage. If you do get a sunburn, make sure you treat it right away to reduce the risk of lasting damage. When you notice the start of a sunburn, get out of the sun immediately and cool the affected area with a cold shower or cool compress. You can apply Active Skin Repair Burn Hydrogel to treat the damaged skin.