Protecting Your Skin from the Summer Sun

Protecting Your Skin from the Summer Sun

It's summer time which means more heat and more sun. Even though more people are going to want to be out in the sun, being in the sun too long, especially without protection, can cause harm to your skin and can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to keep your skin as healthy and protected as possible.

What causes skin damage

The sun emits different types of UV radiation that we classify based on their relative wavelength. UVC radiation has the shortest wavelength and can be almost completely absorbed by the skin. UVB radiation affects the outermost layer of the skin and is what primarily causes sunburns. The last type is UVA radiation which has been shown to be a major contributing factor to skin damage because it penetrates deeper into the skin with an intensity that does not fluctuate as much as UVB.

UV exposure can cause an uneven thickening and thinning of the skin called solar elastosis. This causes coarse wrinkles and a yellow discoloration. UV exposure can also cause the walls of the blood vessels to become thinner which can lead to bruising and spider veining on the face. Other more common pigment changes include freckles and age spots which commonly appear on the back of the hands, chest, shoulders, arms, and upper back.

How to protect your skin

Fortunately there are many ways we can keep our skin healthy and protected from the harmful effects of the UV rays.

Apply and Keep Reapplying Sunscreen

Sunscreen should become part of your daily routine because it is one of the simplest and most effective ways of protecting your skin in the summer. No matter if it is cloudy or sunny, using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen can offer the most protection.

Cover Up

Another really effective way of protecting yourself from UV rays is by covering up your exposed skin. Stay cool and protect your skin by wearing clothes made of tightly-woven, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Try to choose loose and lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants versus wearing tank tops and shorts. Wearing a wide-brimmer hat is also helpful for protecting your face and neck from the sun.

Hydration

Make sure to keep yourself as hydrated as possible especially on extremely hot or humid days. Dehydration can lead to many different complications, including dry and flaky skin, heat stroke, or heat exhaustion. The best goal to have is to drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water everyday.

Cold Showers

It is always a good idea to give your skin a break from the summer heat and take a cold or lukewarm shower. Lowering the temperature of your shower can help your skin retain its moisture and can reduce dryness.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Maintaining healthy skin includes not smoking and having a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and drinking plenty of water. It is always a good idea to engage in stress-reducing activities and to get a regular amount of sleep every night.

Skin Checks

It is important to check your skin regularly. Check for changes to moles, freckles, or birthmarks and monitor any new changes that may have occurred. Using a mirror can be useful for evaluating hard to reach and see areas. Get regular skin evaluations by your healthcare provider or dermatologist.

Avoid tanning beds

Tanning beds can produce the same harmful UVA and UVB rays as the sun. These rays can increase your risk of getting skin cancer, including melanoma, and can cause premature aging. There is also no scientific evidence that suggests having a “base tan” can decrease your risk of getting sunburn or be able to protect your skin more.

Protect Yourself from the Arizona Sun with these Summer Skin Care Tips
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