Protect your skin from sun damage
Summer is around the corner, which means many people will be out in the sun doing lots of outdoor activities, especially in sunny California. It is important to protect our skin from over exposure to the sun. If one has fair skin this is even more important. People with dark complexion should also take care to protect the skin from over exposure to the sun. Protecting the skin reduces the risk to skin cancer and helps avoid aging lines.
Reduce exposure to the sun
Sunburn is very damaging to the skin. Avoiding over exposure to the sun is the best way to protect the skin. Tanning should be minimal and not done at midday. The best way to prevent sun damage to the skin is to avoid midday sun from 10am to 4pm. Tanning after or before these times provides enough time to safely expose your skin and get a little bronzing.
Simple protection methods
Seek shade if you need to be outdoors for extended periods of time. There is also a simple method to determine your exposure to the harming effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. The longer your shadow the less exposure you have to UV rays dangerous effects. The shorter your shadow the greater risk you are for UV exposure.
Other everyday ways to protect your skin
- Wear wider brim hats, not just a visor. The brim should be 4 in. (10 cm) this means your ears, neck and face will be shadowed by the brim providing protection.
- UV Rays have been shown to lead to cataracts. Wear UV sunglasses.
- Tightly woven natural weave long sleeved clothing is helpful. It should be loose to allow circulation
- There are special types of clothing made with special sun protective fabric. These are very helpful to fair skin people and people who have already experienced skin cancer
- Using a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to protect yourself, babies’ and children
