Everybody knows by now that too much exposure to the sun can be detrimental, not only to the appearance of your skin, but to your overall health. Sun exposure is to blame for a whole host of problems such as wrinkles, sun spots, a loss of skin elasticity, dry skin, flaking skin, and more serious issues such as skin cancer, which is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Avoiding too much sun also means avoiding getting sunburned and though wearing sun screen is one of the most important efforts you can make, it’s not the only way to protect yourself from harmful rays.
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Avoid Peak Times
The sun’s rays are at their most dangerous during the middle of the day between 10 am until around 4 pm. Try to schedule any outdoor activities for earlier in the morning or in the evening to avoid unnecessary exposure and avoid sunburn.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Choose clothing that covers your body well, including your arms and legs. Some clothing brands make clothing items that provide sun protection built into their garment. Check the label of the clothing or the online description for the UPF label (ultraviolet protection factor) which indicates how effective the garment is at blocking UV rays. Higher numbers are best and dark colors offer the most protection. Many garments have been treated with UV-absorbing chemicals.
Wear Proper Headgear
Make use of wide brimmed hats or even umbrellas to protect your scalp and face from the sun. Instead of sitting out in the open sun, consider a beach umbrella so that you can enjoy the sunshine without getting burned. Beach style hats or hats with a neck covering can go a long way in preventing sunburn of your face, ears, neck and scalp. Many people who come to discover a cancerous mole may find it hidden in their hair, so protecting your head and face is important.
Sunglasses
Though you might not get a sunburn on your eyes, your eyes are still very susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses that rates high on UV protection and consider getting some that fit close to your face and even have wraparound frames to protect your eyes from all angles.
Avoid Tanning Booths
The notion of a “base tan” is dangerous because it leads people to believe that so long as they have a base tan, they can avoid sunburns. Some people will visit an indoor tanning booth to try to achieve this base tan at the risk of their health. There’s no research to support the notion that a base tan will help to protect the skin from sunburn.
Contact Skin and Vein today for more information, or check out our Dermatology page!
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