There’s nothing like spending the day at the beach or near the pool, with a cold drink in hand and not a care in the world. It’s just you, the sun, and the sound of water in the distance. However, as much as you want to enjoy basking in the sun’s rays, you must stay protected from its harmful effects.
With global warming making the Earth’s atmosphere thinner, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are more harmful than ever before. UV radiation can cause skin cancer, eye damage, and other health problems. Fortunately, you can still protect yourself from the scorching heat by following these simple tips:
Tip #1 Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Wearing sunscreen is no longer a mere suggestion; it’s a necessity. Even if you have darker skin, you’re still susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays. So, before heading outdoors, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. And don’t forget to reapply it every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
By doing so, you’ll be able to protect your skin from harmful sunburns and the risk of developing skin cancer. Of course, sunscreen alone isn’t enough to keep you safe from the sun. This means you should stay away from direct sunlight when possible since UV rays can penetrate through clouds.
Tip #2 Wear a hat and sunglasses when you’re outdoors.
Another way to protect yourself from the sun is by wearing a hat and sunglasses when you’re outdoors. A wide-brimmed hat will help keep the sun off your face, neck, and ears. And if you wear sunglasses that block out at least 99% of UV rays, you’ll help protect your eyes from cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems.
Even if you’re just lounging by the pool in your backyard and not at the beach, it’s still a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses. After all, the sun’s rays are just as harmful when you’re not in the water. This also goes for when you decide to install DIY aluminum fencing around your pool so that you can have more privacy while you’re swimming.
Tip #3 Avoid being in the sun during peak hours.
The sun is at its strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to avoid being in direct sunlight during these hours. If you must go outside, be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. And try to stay in the shade as much as possible since UV rays can reflect off surfaces like concrete, sand, and water.
Peak hours vary depending on the time of year and your location. In the summer, the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In the winter, it’s strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. And if you live in the tropics, the sun is strongest year-round between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. since the Earth’s tilt causes the sun’s rays to hit the tropics directly.
Tip #4 Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
When you’re outside in the heat, you must stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This will help your body sweat and keep your skin cool. Drinking water will also help flush toxins out of your system and prevent heatstroke, which can be fatal when left untreated.
Be sure to drink water even if you’re not thirsty. And if you’re going to be outside for an extended period, pack a cooler with water and ice so you can stay hydrated throughout the day. You could also drink cold juices, beers, or sports drinks, but water is the best way to stay hydrated.
Tip #5 Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to keep your skin cool.
Finally, wear light, loose-fitting clothing when you’re outside in the heat. This will help your skin breathe and prevent overheating. Light colors are also better than dark colors since they reflect the sun’s rays. And if you can find clothing that’s made from natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp, that’s even better since these fabrics are more breathable than synthetic fabrics.
Avoid wearing black, brown, or dark colors since they absorb the sun’s rays. And if you must wear them, stay in the shade and apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Otherwise, you risk getting a sunburn and increasing your risk of skin cancer.
So there you have it — five tips to help you stay protected from the sun this summer. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the summer without putting your health at risk. Just remember to wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, avoid the sun during peak hours, drink plenty of water, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Stay safe and have fun!
