When the days are sunny, there's nothing better than to go outside and enjoy the warmth on our skin. With global warming, however, the sun has become harsher over the years. You need to protect your skin from potential damage, and here are some tips on how to do so.
Plan Your Time
Try to limit the time you spend in the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest and can damage your skin. If you're planning to spend the day at the pool, try to stay shaded for most of that time.
It's not to say that you can't go into the sun at all. Instead, spend short amounts of time in the sun and the majority of your time under cover. This is even more important with small children as their skin is more sensitive and burns very quickly, even with sunscreen.
Use Sunscreen
An obvious but often overlooked safety suggestion is putting on sunscreen. Use an SPF factor of at least 30 for your body and face. Try to get sunscreen lip balm as well. The tender skin on your lips can burn and cause pain and blistering. If possible, choose a sunscreen that covers a broad spectrum and protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Sunscreens that don't have those factors will protect you from sunburn, but they won't protect against skin cancer. Use some every day even if it's cloudy, and try to apply it at least 15 minutes before going out.
Accessorize
Make a fashion statement and protect yourself at the same time. Wear sunglasses and a hat that's big enough to cover your face, ears, and neck. The sunglasses should preferably have 99% to 100% UV absorption, which provides optimal protection for the eyes and the tender skin around it.
If you're an active individual, you can get wrap-around sunglasses that don't fall off when you're running or swimming.
Protective Clothing
If you're planning to spend excessive time in the sun, try to wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants that cover your whole legs. Many people believe that a loose sarong or baggy shirt will protect them from the sun after coming out of the pool.
Unfortunately, loosely woven fabrics don't block the sun as effectively as dark clothing made of their denser counterparts. For additional protection, especially for small children and babies, look for clothes made with unique sun-protective materials.
Sometimes the sun gets the better of us, and we experience sunburn and other skin problems. Getting a little bit too much sun once in a while isn't too bad, but if you continuously get too much exposure, you could end up with conditions like dark spots, skin cancers, and melanoma.
If you see or feel something that doesn't appear normal, go to the doctor rather than ignoring it. To give yourself peace of mind, check what is covered by your major health insurance plan before seeing a medical professional. This way, you'll know what treatments you're covered for if you need them.
Skin Health in General
Staying out of the sun is one of the kindest things that you can do for your skin. To keep healthy in general, you should stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. A sensible diet with as much raw food as possible is another way to enjoy beautiful skin.
Preservatives and colorants in many convenience foods damage our bodies and are excreted through the skin. Keeping an eye on this area of your body is essential, as it can tell you if there are underlying health conditions. Facial rashes could indicate digestive problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, which causes exterior flare-ups.
Moles aren't usually a cause for concern, but if you start finding new ones, it's a good idea to visit the doctor for a checkup. If all of a sudden, your skin seems to have a yellow tinge, this too could be indicative of an illness such as anemia.
Final Thoughts
Our skin is our body's largest organ and, in some cases, can be read like a book. Your body can tell you if there are problems that you need to address, and it does so through this organ. Being aware of any sudden changes could go a long way to early diagnosis and treatment of some serious illnesses.
By following our tips, you can make sure you take good care of your skin when out in the sun to prevent any significant health issues. You'll be able to enjoy the sunshine as well as maintain good health for a long time.
