The summer is halfway over but you can still do a lot to protect your skin from the harmful radiation of the Sun’s UV rays. Knowing what to look for in a sunscreen is a good start to keeping your skin safe. There are seemingly endless brands to sort through with many different SPF levels. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measurement of how much UVB is being prevented from reaching the skin. It is important to purchase a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Most notably, you should remember to apply at least 1 oz. (a shot glass full) and reapply every two hours.
Protecting your skin goes further than just picking the right sunscreen. UPF clothing can actually block UV rays from getting to your skin. Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF, is a measurement of how much UV radiation is able to reach the skin. Clothing with a higher rating offer more protection and factors such as color, weight and condition of the fabric also affect how well clothing can block the sun’s radiation. Consider wearing hats and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and ears, which tend to be more sensitive. Additionally, limiting your time in the sun between the hours of 10AM and 3PM can help protect your skin from damage.
You owe it to yourself and your overall health to establish a thought-out sun protection regimen if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun for the remainder of the summer.