The summer is filled with beach days, cold drinks, and spending all your time outside. The summer is undeniably one of the happiest times of the entire year. I mean, it’s hard not to be happy when you’re spending your days hanging out in the sun. But as wonderful as a hot summer day is, it’s imperative to stay protected from the sun.
It’s tempting to let your guard down in the summer, especially if you’re trying to catch a tan, but not taking the proper steps to protect your skin will be extremely detrimental later in life. Exposure to UV rays can trigger premature aging and wrinkles.
You may not notice it at the moment, but your skin will show it later on. Taking steps to protect your skin now will always prove beneficial in the long run. So before you run outside to spend the entire day under the blistering sun, make sure you take the proper precautions. Here is how to protect your skin in the summer:
1. Always Wear Sunscreen
And I mean always. Even when you’re sitting inside with no intention of seeing the sun, UV rays can come through windows and damage your skin. So, if you have any plans of seeing the sun this summer, put on your sunscreen. Use one with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours. Make applying sunscreen part of your beauty routine and it'll become second nature.
2. Wear the Right Headgear
On particularly hot days, just wearing sunscreen isn’t enough and you have to break out some headgear, like a sun hat. Women’s sun hats will not only keep your skin protected, but your ears and neck as well. Whether you want a stylish visor for a beach day or a wide-brimmed hat for a more adventurous summer day, there is a sun hat for just about every occasion.
3. Put On Your Sunglasses
Your eyes need just as much protection from the sun as your skin does. And that means wearing your sunglasses at all times. Just make sure you wear a pair with UV protection, so you know your eyes will be kept safe from the sun. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays that can damage the cornea, lens, and retina.
4. Check Your Medication
Certain medication can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, so it is good to check if that is a possible side effect of any medication you’re on. If this is your case, then it’s even more important to take the right steps to protect your skin. Just be sure to check with your doctor first.
5. Avoid the Sun During Certain Times
If possible, it is best to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which is when UV rays are the strongest. The sun during this time can be the most damaging on your skin. If you can’t avoid the outdoors, then just be sure to be adamant about applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, and staying under an umbrella.
The summer is a time to have fun and let loose. But that doesn’t include not protecting your skin. It is imperative to protect your skin from harmful UV rays all year long, but especially in the summer when you’re spending your days under the hot sun. While taking these steps might seem unnecessary in the moment, you will certainly be happy when your skin looks youthful for many years to come. Take the time to apply your sunscreen and put on a cute hat. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.