Summer time means exposure to the sun. Sun tanning is a popular issue which most people face. Even though most westerners welcome tanning, excess of it is extremely harmful to our skin. It can also lead to long term medical issues if not handled with care. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, your skin will darken as a result of melanin pigmentation. While exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause some tanning or sunburn, there are also more dangerous risks caused by excessive sun exposure, including skin cancer, premature aging and eye damage.
Some precautions which can hold you in good stead –
Avoid peak sunlight periods – Try to avoid scheduling outdoor activities during 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.
Wear protective clothing – Some clothing option which work well in the sun:
– Bright- or dark-coloured fabrics, which have a much higher Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) than light-coloured clothing.
– Woven, lightweight fabrics.
– Long sleeves and pants will decrease skin exposure and provide the most protection.
Wear a hat and sunglasses –
A wide-brimmed hat will keep the sun off of the face, neck and ears.
Sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection. Go for models that indicate that they provide UVB and UVA protection.
Use sunscreen –
Sunscreen is an essential cosmetic which should be sued at all times. It’s almost like a compulsion if you want to avoid the tan. Choose a sunscreen that is labelled as “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” to shield your skin from both the UVB rays that tan and burn the skin, as well as the UVA rays that penetrate the skin more deeply and cause sun-induced skin aging called photoaging.
Greater precaution when in higher altitudes –
UV ray’s exposure increases at higher altitudes. At altitudes of 9,000 – 10,000 feet, the radiations are at least 35 – 45% more intense than at sea level. Between the increased UV exposure and the reflection of sun off the snow and ice, your skin is even more exposed to UV rays as compared to an activity in the plains.
The effect of wind on your sunscreen –
While sweat is the main reason for sunscreen wearing away during summer activities, it could also be the wind. The wind minimizes the effect of the sunscreen and hence you should re-apply some good sun screen every two hours. Wash your face as often as possible to wash off the sweat and dust particles which block your skin pores. Choose a sunscreen that not only has UVA/UVB protection, but that also has a lot of moisturizer in it to combat windburn.
Your lips are also an essential part of your body. Keep them hydrated.
Drink a lot of liquids –Don’t forget the water intake. It not only helps combat dehydration but also keeps the body in harmony.
So, this summer, beat the heat with these lifestyle changes. Enjoy the sun and all your outdoor activities but with precautions.