Playing With the Sun or How to Protect Your Skin in Summer Time

While exposing yourself to the right amount of sunlight can be beneficial, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead you nasty things like sunburn, wrinkles, skin cancer and some other problems. Knowing these things can help you protect yourself from too much exposure to the sun.

The most common cancer diagnosed in the United States is skin cancer. The most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinomas occur on skin that has had significant exposure to ultraviolet light. It is typically treated with surgical resection. So, in order to protect, well, you know, prevention is better than treatment, use our helpful advice when it comes to playing with the sun.

1. All skin colors are susceptible to skin cancer, not just fair skin.
2. Most skin cancer is caused by sun damage that occurred before the age of 20.
3. You can get melanoma on your scalp.
4. The sun’s rays are at its most intense from 10 AM to 2 PM.
5. Cement, sand, and snow reflect the sun’s rays intensifying its effect.
6. Put on a hat with a brim. Baseball caps may be more stylish but it exposes your nape.
7. Wear gloves.
8. Put on a protective pair of sunglasses.

Always Choose and Use a Sunscreen That Is:

1. An SPF 15 or higher
2. Broad-spectrum (protects from both UVA and UVB rays)
3. Waterproof or sweat proof

What Is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation. Sunscreens are available in the forms of topical lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or spray that can be applied to the skin; a salve or stick that can be applied to the lips, nose, and eyelids; a moistener in towelettes that can be rubbed against the skin; sunglasses that protect the eyes; certain types of sun-protection clothing; and film screen that can be affixed to the windows of a car, room, or office.

Lip Balm

1. Always wear a lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher – remember that your lips can burn just like the rest of your skin.
2. Reapply often!
3. Lip balm not only protects your lips from burning, but the moisture helps to prevent chapping and dryness as well.

And, as an Extra Tip: Drink Lots of Water

During the summer months, people tend to sweat and expel a lot of fluids. Since water is important in many bodily functions, including the moisturizing the skin from within, you need to make sure that you drink plenty of water during this season. If you are on a beach or exposed to the sun, it would be better to drink at least two to four glasses of fluids per hour. However, make sure that you stay away from caffeine-rich beverages and alcohol; such beverages are diuretics and can make you lose instead of keep fluids inside your body.