With the warm weather upon us, it's the perfect time to get outside and enjoy all the wonderful activities that come with summer. Whether you're planning a day outside with the kids, a walk in the park or just some gardening in your backyard, it's important to remember that while the sun feels great, it can also pose some serious risks to your skin and overall health. At Odessa Medical Enterprises, we want to help you stay safe and enjoy the sun without worries. So here are four quick and easy tips to protect yourself from the sun this summer.
Wear sunscreen.
We cannot stress this enough: sunscreen is essential. Sunscreen acts as a shield, protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. There are two types of UV rays that you need to be concerned about: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can lead to premature aging and wrinkling, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. Both types can contribute to skin cancer, so it's important to wear sunscreen every time you go outside.
When selecting sunscreen, always choose one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Make sure your sunscreen is labeled "broad spectrum", which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. And if you're swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen to maintain protection throughout your activities.
To apply, cover your entire body with a generous amount of sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before going outside to give it time to absorb into your skin. Remember to reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Stay in the shade.
The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you can, plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when the UV index is lower. This doesn't mean you have to stay indoors during peak hours, but try to take breaks in the shade whenever possible. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, an umbrella or find a nice tree to sit under to reduce your direct sun exposure.
Wear protective clothing.
Clothing is your first line of defense against the sun. Long-sleeved shirts, pants and long skirts can provide protection, but they're not always ideal for summer temperatures. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating, which indicates how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin.
Look for light, breathable fabrics that can provide sun protection without making you too hot -- think linen or cotton materials. Search for UPF-rated clothing to offer better protection; for example, a UPF of 50 allows only 1/50th of the sun's UV rays to pass through. And don't forget your sunglasses! Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Stay hydrated.
Spending time in the sun can dehydrate you, especially if you're sweating. So it's more important than ever to drink plenty of water. Hydrated skin is healthier and more resilient to sun damage. Drink plenty of water, and eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers and oranges to keep yourself hydrated.
When you're done with your outdoor activities, take a cool shower or bath to help soothe your sun-exposed skin. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help repair any damage and maintain your skin's moisture barrier. And if you do get sunburned, apply an aloe vera gel to provide soothing relief and help heal your skin.
Have fun in the sun
We hope these tips help you enjoy the sun safely this summer! Remember, protecting your skin now can prevent serious issues like skin cancer and premature aging down the road. So, lather up with sunscreen, seek shade, wear protective clothing and stay hydrated. If you have any concerns or need personalized advice, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you make the most of your sunny days!
About Odessa Medical Enterprises
We are the office of Dr. Khavar Dar, MD and Janette Ornelas, FNP-C, providing pulmonary, critical care and primary care to patients in Odessa, TX. At Odessa Medical Enterprises, we believe that compassion is crucial for effective treatment. Together, we consider it our mission to serve our community and beyond with the utmost care.
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