We all love the sun, but of course, it can be very dangerous. The sun’s UV rays can cause cancer, burns, and aging, among other things. Wearing sunscreen on the beach is a good first step, but how can we protect ourselves from the sun when we’re not on vacation? There are actually a variety of ways; read on to find out more.
Sunscreen
We mentioned sunscreen being needed on the beach, but if you really want to protect yourself, it’s something you should wear every time you go outside, even if it’s cloudy and cold. One ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) of sunscreen should be applied at least 15-30 minutes before going outside. As an additional layer of defense, put on a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of at least 30.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen is the best option for protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and is waterproof. While other sunscreens may reduce the likelihood of sunburn, they offer no protection against skin cancer.
Tint Your Car Windows
If you do a lot of driving, you might assume you’re safe from the sun – you’re technically inside, after all. However, UV rays can penetrate the glass in your car windows, and you might actually be suffering from damage while you drive. Perhaps you’ve noticed that one arm is more tanned than another, for example (the one nearest the window). This is because the sun is still getting to your skin.
In order to prevent this problem from getting worse, you can have experts install ceramic window tint on your car. When you have this in place, the sun’s rays can’t penetrate, although you can still see well enough to drive safely.
Cover Your Skin
When you’re going to be out in the sun, it’s also important to cover as much skin as you can. This means you should wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, as well as a hat with a wide brim to protect your face.
Cover-up essentials include:
Hats: A wide-brimmed hat is the best way to keep the sun off your face. Look for a hat with a brim that goes all the way around and is at least three inches wide.
Clothing that protects from the sun: There are many brands that sell clothing that protects from the sun. This type of clothing is made of fabric that has been treated to block UV rays. This kind of clothing is often worn by athletes and people who like to be outside, but anyone who wants extra sun protection can wear it.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and make it less likely that you’ll get cataracts. They also keep the sun from getting to the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays are the best, and ideally, you should wear wrap-around sunglasses because they keep UV rays from coming in from the sides.