Summer is almost here and that means high temperatures and a lot of sunlight. We all love sunny days because it means spending more time outdoors enjoying the activities we love. However, it’s very important to keep yourself protected from harmful UV rays when you are in the sunlight. Exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to skin cancer and other health problems. To make sure you and your family are staying safe while enjoying the summer weather, follow the backyard sun safety tips below.
Limit Exposure Time
We know spending time in the sun boosts our mood and increases Vitamin D. However, if you are not following backyard sun safety measures, it can be dangerous for your skin and health. Try to limit your exposure to the sun, especially during the peak sunlight times of 10am-4pm. If you have plans for outdoor activities, try to schedule them for before or after those peak hours. If you are outdoors during the peak times, try to find shady spots to protect yourself.
Wear Protective Clothing
If you are going to spend a good amount of time outdoors, it’s important to wear protective clothing. This includes long pants, long sleeve shirts, hats, and clothing with UV blocking properties.
Invest in Protective Sunglasses
Your fashionable sunglasses may not actually be protecting your eyes from the sunlight. Even if they were expensive, it doesn’t mean that they have UV blocking properties. When purchasing a pair of sunglasses, make sure they say that they block 99% or 100% of UVB or UVA rays.
Always Use Sunscreen
Whenever you are going to be in direct sunlight, even if it’s only for a brief period, it’s important to use sunscreen. You should be applying it even on cloudy days. Before applying sunscreen, make sure to check expiration dates and that it has at least SPF 15 or higher with protection from UVB and UVA rays. To practice optimal backyard sun safety, you should reapply every two hours at least, especially if you are sweating or swimming.
Watch your Skin
It’s important to keep a close eye on your skin, especially during the summer months when it is exposed to more sunlight. You should keep any eye out for any new or changing markings, moles, bumps, or spots. Watch for size growth, expansion, color change, or texture change. If you see something out of the ordinary, make sure to check with a dermatologist immediately.
Check your Medications
There are some medications that will make your body more sensitive to sunlight. These include some antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapies. Make sure to check any medications you may be on and protect yourself by taking increased backyard sun safety precautions.