How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun Every Day

Avoid skin damage resulting from too much exposure to the sun.

Too much time in the sun can lead to sunburns and an increased risk of skin cancer. It can also cause wrinkles to form prematurely. Such outcomes should be a wakeup call to people to protect themselves from damaging solar rays. A few lifestyle changes and a visit to the neighborhood drug store offer a good starting point.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• Light-colored clothes
• Hat
• Lip balm

Instructions

1. Apply a sunscreen of 30 SPF (sun protection factor) or higher on every part of your skin that will not be covered by clothing. This includes your face and ears. Overexposure to the sun's rays can lead to skin cancer or premature aging from the sun. To protect your skin, you will want to apply sunscreen to any exposed area about a half-hour before actually going outside.

2. Wear light-colored clothing as you spend your day outdoors. Dark-colored clothing absorbs the damaging rays of the sun. This will also cause you to get overheated as you go through your day. Lighter colors like white and beige will naturally deflect the rays to protect your skin from the sun.

3. Keep a hat on your head whenever you are in the sun to protect yourself. A hat can protect the sensitive skin of your scalp from getting sunburned. This step will also help to keep you cooler as you enjoy the beautiful day outside.

4. Wear lip balm rated SPF 30 to protect your lips from ultraviolet rays. Add a pair of sunglasses to shield skin around your eyes where you may not be able to apply sunscreen.

5. Avoid going out in the sun during midday, when the solar rays are most intense.

Tips & Warnings

• Reapply sunscreen throughout the day to protect your skin. Applying only in the morning will leave your skin unprotected later in the day.

References

• Fitness Magazine; 7 New Ways to Protect Your Skin from the Sun; Mary Rose Almasi