Keep yourself safe from skin damage by following the best tips on protecting yourself from too much sun exposure that could harm your long-term health.
Every little thing that comes with a bit of good also has something bad that comes with it. Sunlight is terrific for raising your serotonin levels from vitamin D. Sadly. Excessive sunlight can lead to a handful of severe health issues like cancer. Protecting yourself from too much sun exposure helps you fend off UV rays and keep your skin in tip-top condition.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a substance that prevents the sun’s ultraviolet radiation from damaging your skin. But remember that sunscreen is merely a filter and won’t completely protect you from the sun’s rays. You shouldn’t rely solely on sunscreen to stay in the sun longer than necessary.
Unfortunately, certain sun rays may penetrate even the most effective protection. Sunscreen should not be your only line of defense. However, sunscreen should be part of your skin cancer prevention strategy, particularly if you can’t always hide from the sun’s rays.
Apply Sunscreen Correctly
The other part of the sunscreen equation is applying the appropriate type. The higher the SPF number, the more protection you will get from the sun’s harmful UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. If you spend 30 minutes in the sun with an SPF 30 sunscreen on, for instance, you’ll get exposed to the equivalent of the sun’s UVB radiation as if you went unprotected under the sun for just one minute. Most people don’t put on enough sunscreen, so they don’t receive the full benefit of it.
Find a Place in the Shade
Sometimes, the easiest and most obvious methods are the ones you overlook. When the sun is getting the best of you, the quickest solution is to find shade.
The sun’s rays may wreak havoc even on days with clouds or haze. Sand, water, and snow reflect sunlight, increasing exposure to harmful UV rays, so take extra precautions to avoid sunburn while outside. Even if you’re in the water and comfortable, you are still vulnerable to excess sun exposure.
Wear Layers
Although it may be uncomfortable on a hot day, dressing in layers is in your best interest if you’re concerned about sun exposure.
There is a wide range of UV protection offered by clothing options. Dark hues are generally safer than bright ones, although you may feel different based on the sun’s effect on your body temperature. Tightly woven fabrics are more secure than their looser counterparts, while dry clothes are almost always preferable to damp fabric.
Wear a Hat & Sunglasses
In tune with layers of clothing, it’s wise to provide layers for your head and eyes. Even though we need sunlight daily to thrive, a pair of shades and a wide-brimmed hat blocks unwanted sunlight. You can do your best to make it a fashion statement while shielding your face and eyes from the harmful beams of intense sun.
Learning to protect yourself from too much sun exposure ensures you will make the most of your time in the Caribbean. Like with most things, moderation is the key, but following this strategy should protect you while you’re having the time of your life.