Whether it’s hot outside or not, spending time out in the sun can lead to an uncomfortable sunburn. It can take as little as 15 minutes of sun exposure to damage the skin, resulting in painful, irritating, or itching sunburns and an increased risk of skin cancer. Before you head outside, follow the tips below to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
1. Cover Up
Whenever possible, wear long sleeves and long pants or skirts to help prevent sunburn. Covering your skin with clothing made from tightly woven fabrics can provide a barrier to keep the sun’s rays from reaching your skin. Darker colors may offer more protection than light colors and won’t reflect UV rays back onto your skin and into your eyes. Keep in mind that a wet shirt offers a lot less protection than a dry one, so change clothes soon after being in water. If you can, try to find clothing that has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or more for added sun protection.
2. Find Shade
A great way to prevent sunburn is to seek out shade while you’re spending time outdoors. This can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer. You can sit under a shady tree, set up an umbrella or tent, or find other shelter to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s important to remember that shade doesn’t provide perfect sun protection, so make sure you take other precautions as well.
3. Apply Sunscreen
Even if you’re covered up or spending most of your time in shade, it’s critical to wear sunscreen every time you go outside. The sun’s UV rays can reach the skin and cause damage through clothing and clouds as well as reflected off surfaces. Apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays for full protection. Make sure it has an SPF of at least 30 for optimal effectiveness. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after being in water or sweating.
4. Wear a Hat and Sunglasses
To prevent sunburn on your face, ears, and neck, you should wear a hat with a wide brim that provides shade on all sides. Choose a hat made from a tightly woven fabric like canvas that doesn’t let sunlight through. Avoid straw hats, as these have holes that allow the sun’s rays to reach your skin. In addition to a hat, you should also wear sunglasses to further protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. UV rays can contribute to cataracts, worsened vision, and other eye problems. Make sure you find a pair of sunglasses that blocks UVA and UVB rays for the best protection.
5. Avoid Tanning
One of the worst things you can do for your skin is lay out in the sun to try to get a tan. Not only does this put you at risk of sunburn, but it also increases your chances of getting skin cancer. These chances go up significantly if you use a tanning bed. To prevent sunburn and reduce your risk of skin cancer, try using a self-tanner instead. There are a number of self-tanning products available, including foams, gels, lotions, etc., that will give you that sun-kissed glow without the skin damage.
If you have any questions about how to prevent sunburn or you need to treat one, please stop by Midtown Express Pharmacy. Our knowledgeable and caring staff can help you find the products you need to prevent and treat sunburns so you can keep your skin healthy and happy all year long!
