Summer is approaching and ready for its vitamin D absorption. While absorbing the summer sun comes with perks, you also need to be aware of the skin and health issues that it can cause.
Below are four strategies to keep you safe and cool.
1. Wear protective gear
Most people think that sunburn is a major health risk, but the real trouble occurs when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. They are harmful when you are exposed to them directly. This exposure can lead to health problems like cancer.
UV rays exist even in the absence of the sun, but are higher in summer than in colder months. Recent statistics show that in 2025 there will be an estimated 104.960 new cases of skin cancer and 8,430 deaths. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the effects of UV rays.
Some brands offer clothing designed to protect you from UV rays. This is done by rating the UV Protection Factor (UPF). You don’t need to wear UPF clothes, but that helps. Long sleeve tops and long pants also serve as protective barriers.
Put on a mocking hat and try to soak that sun safely to provide extra protection against UV rays. Another consideration is the color of your clothes. Dark-colored clothing provides higher protection against UV rays.
Focus on protecting your eyes now. There are two types of UV rays known as UVA and UVB. UVA plays a role in the aging of immature skin, while UVB produces sunburn. Sunglasses protect you from both are the most efficient.
2. Use sunscreen
Just like sunglasses, sunscreens can help block UVA and UVB rays. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends that the sunscreen modulus value of the products you use is 15 or higher. Also, if you swim or sweat, you should reapply every two hours, but this is skin dependent.
3. Find the shade with peak fever
Sun rays are the most intense from 10am to 2pm, and staying in the shade during this peak can significantly reduce the risk of UV exposure. Find a shaded outdoor area, carry an umbrella or pop-up tent if you’re on the beach, or relax under the trees.
Swimming is a good idea to keep your body temperature low on these hot days, but water does not protect you from exposure to UV rays or sunlight. Your body may feel cool, but you still carry out potential health risks.
The safest idea is to spend time outdoors on a morning when the sun is rising. We go for a jog and have breakfast indoors. Anyway, the heat is likely to be stronger in the early afternoon, so you can spend this time completing indoor tasks before enjoying the summer dusk and evening.
Changing your schedule can reduce the risk of sunlight exposure. If this is not possible, make sure you wear protective gear, sunglasses and sunscreen.
4. Maintain hydration
Refilling your body with water on hot days is important to regulate internal temperatures and ensure proper functioning of your organs.
The amount of fluid you need is based on your weight, age, activity you are in, and climate. However, as long as you are in the sun or outdoors, try your best to drink plenty of drinks to prevent you from feeling sick.
Drinking water has many benefits, but some say that drinking it plainly isn’t fully motivated. If you find your water too boring, infuse your plain or sparkling drink with fruit.
Stay safe in the sun
The summer season is intended to enjoy soaking in the sun, absorbing vitamin D, and spending time outdoors with your loved ones, but it’s important to do so with minimal risk. Whether you’re relaxing outdoors or completing intense activities, take care of yourself with these four tips to protect yourself from the summer sun.
Author’s Bio
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief of modded, where he writes about health and fitness. Follow him on Twitter at @TMODDED for regular updates about his work and subscribe to modded Minute!
