Simple tips to help protect your skin from the sun this summer

After spending months indoors trying to escape the cold, once the weather warms up, most of us will find any excuse to go outside. But as time spent outdoors increases, sun exposure increases and the likelihood of sun damage caused by ultraviolet rays increases. Below, we'll share some of the top ways sun exposure works on your skin and simple tips to help protect your skin from the sun this summer!

How UV rays affect the skin

While most of us are well aware that prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn and skin cancer, did you know that UV rays are also one of the main causes of skin aging? Harsh sun rays can not only dry out the skin, but also lead to premature appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots.

For these reasons, among others, it's crucial to follow the sun protection tips we share below, starting with number one: wear sunscreen!

#1 Wear Broad Spectrum SPF – All Day, Every Day

If you're not yet serious about applying sunscreen, the best time to start is than summer. When looking for a sunscreen, make sure the label says "broad spectrum" as this ensures that the product can help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays that can damage your skin, leading to increased signs of skin aging, sunburn, and skin cancer such as melanoma.

Sunscreen—whether you choose physical sunscreen or chemical sunscreen—should be applied every day, regardless of the weather outside. Read: Just because you can't see sunlight doesn't mean UV rays are sleeping. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so even on overcast days, be sure to apply sunscreen before leaving the house.

Finally, one application per day is not enough. To work properly, sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the day—usually every two hours when you're outside or near windows, as UV rays can penetrate most glass. If you swim or sweat, play it safe and reapply earlier than the recommended two hours. It is best to follow the instructions of the selected SPF!

#2 Look for shade

After a cold winter, there is little better than basking in the sun. However, if you're hoping to protect your skin from these harsh UV rays, you'll need to limit the amount of time you heat up and look for shade for long periods of time outside. If you are going to the beach, bring an umbrella with UV protection. Have a picnic in the park? Find a spot under a tree to unfold your spread.

#3 Wear protective clothing.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing is our first line of defense against the sun's UV rays, and the more skin we cover, the better! If you're going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, consider wearing light clothing that will protect your skin without causing excessive sweating. You'll also want to buy a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, scalp, and the back of your neck, and UV-protective sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight.

If you really want to wear clothing to protect your skin, consider a fabric with a UPF or UV protection factor. (Like SPF, but for your clothes!) UPF measures the percentage of UV rays that can penetrate fabric and reach your skin, so the higher the UPF value, the better the protection.

#4 Stay out of the sun during peak hours

If possible, plan your outdoor activities before or after peak hours of sunshine, when the sun's rays are at their strongest. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, peak hours are usually from 10:4 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm. During this period, make sure you use sunscreen diligently, wear sun-protective clothing, and look for as much shade as possible!