(Newswire.net — April 9, 2021) — Spending time in the sun has a lot of benefits. Not only are there the cosmetic benefits of getting a tan, but it can be a huge mood booster and provide the vitamin D that the body needs to ensure strong, healthy bones. However, too much sun can have a hugely detrimental effect, causing sun damage and perhaps even leading to skin cancer. With increasing scientific evidence suggesting that sun damage can still occur on cloudy days, it’s even more important to implement a sun protection routine all year-round. Here are some top tips for protecting yourself from the sun.
Wear sun lotion
One of the most obvious methods of protecting yourself from the sun is to wear SPF sun lotion. SPF offers different levels of protection: SPF 15 or lower provides low protection, whereas SPF 30-50 is higher. Choose a sun lotion with an SPF factor that is appropriate for your location and skin type. For instance, if you have very fair skin, you will likely require high protection whether you’re in Florida or Massachusetts to prevent burning. Ensure you are still getting some protection in the colder winter months by using foundations and moisturizers with a certain level of SPF protection.
Protect your eyes
So you’ve covered yourself in sun lotion, but did you know that your eyes can also be susceptible to harmful UVA and UVB rays, causing sensitivity to bright lights? If your eyes are exposed to the sun over a long period of time, it can result in sight loss and conditions such as cataracts and pinguecula. Protect your eyes year-round by wearing prescription glasses with a UV filter or UV contact lenses. Sunglasses can provide additional protection in bright sunlight, blocking UVA and UVB rays from reaching your eyes and allowing you to see more comfortably in bright light without the need to squint.
Limit your time spent in direct sunlight
An extended period of time spent in direct sunlight can cause you to be affected by sun-related conditions such as heat stroke (also called sunstroke). This is a type of hyperthermia in which the body’s temperature is dramatically elevated, and dehydration occurs. Symptoms can include disorientation, the absence of sweating, and sometimes a coma. To avoid a heat stroke, avoid the hottest part of the day by remaining in a cool, shaded environment, and make sure you take regular breaks from your sun exposure.
Remember that sun protection is not just for Summer
You might mistakenly believe that sun protection measures are only needed for the hot Summer months – after all, there’s no way you can get sunburned on a cloudy day in January, right? However, there’s an increasing amount of evidence to suggest that your skin can still soak up harmful UV rays even on a dull day, and while you won’t require the same amount of protection as on a bright day, you should still add a bit of sun protection to your daily routine.