As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s no denying the allure of summer. Whether you’re planning beach vacations, poolside hangouts, or outdoor adventures, spending time in the sun can lift your mood, boost vitamin D levels, and create lifelong memories. But with all that fun comes a serious responsibility: protecting your skin.
Sun exposure, especially during the intense summer months, is the number one cause of premature aging. The good news? With a few smart habits and the right tools, you can enjoy the sunshine safely. Here’s how to protect your skin from harmful UV rays without sacrificing your summer plans.
What to look for in a sunscreen:
- NO HARMFUL CHEMICALS. Use Natural Protectants such as Zinc oxide only.
Application tips:
- Apply 15–30 minutes before sun exposure.
- Use one ounce (about a shot glass full) for your entire body.
- Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Don’t forget: Ears, feet, hands, back of the neck, and scalp (especially along hair parts) are commonly overlooked spots.
Wear Protective Clothing and Accessories
Clothing is your first physical barrier between your skin and the sun. The more skin you cover, the better protected you are.
Opt for:
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of tightly woven fabric.
- Wide-brimmed hats that shade your face, neck, and ears. Baseball caps are popular, but they leave your neck and ears exposed.
Many brands now offer fashionable, lightweight summer clothing with built-in sun protection that’s perfect for the pool, beach, or hiking trail.
Seek Shade During Peak Hours
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce exposure.
When outdoors during peak hours:
- Stay under umbrellas, trees, or pop-up tents whenever possible.
- Use portable sun shelters at the beach or park.
- Position strollers or picnic areas in shaded spots for children and babies, whose skin is especially sensitive.
Stay Hydrated and Support Your Skin from the Inside Out
While sun protection is mostly external, your body’s internal health plays a role in how well your skin responds to sun exposure.
Tips for inside-out skin health:
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and resilient.
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, and carrots. These help combat free radical damage caused by the sun.
- Supplements like vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids may also support skin health, though they shouldn’t replace physical sun protection.
Perform Regular Skin Checks
Even with the best sun protection habits, early detection of skin changes is key. Get into the habit of performing monthly skin self-exams, looking for new or changing moles, freckles, or spots. Use the “ABCDE” rule as a guide:
- A – Asymmetry
- B – Border irregularity
- C – Color variation
- D – Diameter over 6mm
- E – Evolving (changes in size, shape, or color)
Additionally, schedule a full-body skin check with a dermatologist once a year, or more often if you have a history of sunburns, tanning bed use, or skin cancer in the family.
Bonus: Sun Protection for Kids and Babies
Young skin is extremely sensitive and requires extra care.
- Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight entirely. Use shade and protective clothing.
- For older kids, use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are gentle and effective.
- Make sun protection fun by letting kids pick out colorful UPF shirts or wide-brimmed hats.
Sun protection isn’t about avoiding the outdoors; it’s about being smart and proactive. By using sunscreen correctly, dressing wisely, and staying aware of your exposure, you can soak up the joys of summer while keeping your skin healthy and radiant for years to come. So, this summer, as you grab your beach towel or hiking boots, don’t forget the SPF. After all, your skin is with you for life, so how will you protect it?
