Only 15% of Americans use sunscreen daily. Keeping your skin safe from the sun is easier than you think it is.
Around 39% of Americans claim they rarely use sunscreen or don’t bother with it at all. Meanwhile, your skin is the largest organ of your body. It requires care.
When you protect your skin from the sun, you’re making it healthier. You deserve to feel healthy in your skin.
Here are 7 sun protection tips everyone should know:
1. Wear Sunscreen
The people reading this are probably wondering, “Is the sun good for your skin?” Yes, sunlight gives you vitamin D, but it can also harm your skin.
That’s why it’s important to use a high-quality sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor). The higher a sunscreen’s SPF is, the more effective it will be at protecting skin from UV rays.
You should only be in sunlight for 20 minutes without sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you’re participating in outdoorsy activities, especially ones like beachside camping trips.
2. Limit Tanning
Reduce the amount of time you spend tanning. If possible, eliminate tanning from your life altogether.
Tanning itself isn’t good for your skin. Any tan you do get is a sign of skin damage. Excessive suntanning causes wrinkles, dehydration, sun poisoning, and more.
3. Cover Your Skin
More coverage means more protection from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat covers your head, face, and neck. Sunglasses cover your eyes.
The sun can still burn you through your clothes. It’s wise to invest in tight woven clothes with a high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). People specially design UPF clothes for protecting your skin from the sun.
4. The Shade Is Your Friend
When the sun is stressing out your skin, think of shade as a breath of fresh air. Spending time in the shade gives your skin relief from the sun.
The sun’s rays are brightest between 10 am and 4 pm. Seek shade during these hours whenever you need to.
5. See a Doctor
If you want to know how to keep your skin healthy, see a doctor. Doctors can detect early signs of skin cancer and other skin conditions.
Find doctors near me who do skin checks. Seeing a doctor now can save you a lot of suffering later on.
6. Stay Hydrated
Being in the sun dehydrates your skin. Having a steady supply of water reduces this effect.
Buying a reusable water bottle is more environmentally friendly than using plastic water bottles.
7. Wear Dark Colors
Contrary to popular belief, darker colors block the sun better than lighter colors.
Darker clothes tend to have a higher UPF rating than lighter clothes do. For example, white has a UPF of 7, but dark green has a UPF of 10.
Be Careful in the Sun
In the United States, around 9,500 people get skin cancer each day. Avoid this fate by keeping your skin out of the sun.
Skin cancer affects 1 in 5 Americans. It can happen to anyone, so please be kind to your skin.
Get informed by learning more lifestyle tips. It’ll change your life for the best.