May is a Skin Cancer Awareness month so it's the perfect time to talk about protecting your skin!
Sun safety is always in season, especially in the summer. It’s critical to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays all throughout the year, regardless of if it’s cloudy or not.
Why? The UV rays of the sun can deeply penetrate your skin, leading to more than just premature aging, which consists of fine lines and wrinkles. Sun exposure can also cause skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer, and is actually on the rise in the world.
So how exactly do you reduce your risk for sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer caused by the sun?
Apply Sunscreen
Be sure to apply a high factor broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, as well as a Vitamin C serum, to your entire face and exposed areas of your body. For more sensitive areas, including your under eyes and lips, use a balm.
Limit Your Time Spent in the Sun
Instead of being outside in the sun for the entire day, limit your time to only a couple of hours.
Wear a Sun Hat
To shield your face from the sun, opt to wear a wide-brimmed hat to help block out the UV rays. Men can even do this, choosing to wear a baseball cap, Panama hat, or bucket hat. You can also wear large sunglasses for further protection.
Cover Up Using a UPF Shirt
Some companies make shirts crafted from Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) fibers that block out the sun’s rays. If you choose a UPF of 40 to 50, you can block out up to 98 percent of the UV rays from your body.
Eat More Antioxidants
Eating fruits and veggies rich in antioxidants can help arm your skin. You can also apply anti-aging creams that are full of nutrients for your skin.
The sun’s rays may feel great on your body, but they can also be harmful. So take the proper precautions to stay covered.