Top 5 Ways to Safeguard your Skin This Summer

It is summertime, and it feels great to be out in the fresh air and sunshine. But even though the warm rays hitting your skin may feel great, they can cause your skin to age prematurely, making you look older than you really are. Even worse, those bright rays can cause skin cancer, especially if you experience prolonged exposure over time.

By taking just a few simple steps, you can still enjoy all the outdoor fun summer has to offer while protecting your skin from the dangers of cancer, and keep it free from early wrinkling, discoloration, and other damage.

The following tips offer suggestions for the top five ways to successfully protect your skin during the lazy, hazy days of summer.

1. Time your exposure. The sun’s rays are most intense during the midday hours, from about 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. By avoiding sun exposure during these times, you’ll also avoid the most intense ultraviolet rays and the damage they can cause to skin.

2. Keep it covered. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and hats may not seem fashion forward when it comes to summer fashions, but your skin will thank you for the extra coverage. A hat is an especially important tool in keeping the sun’s rays from hitting your cheeks, forehead, and chin.

3. Use sunscreen liberally. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day is one of the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer and to avoid the premature aging that can occur as a result of prolonged or direct sun exposure. When applying sunscreen, everyone thinks of the face and other areas that may burn easily; but don’t neglect your hands, which can show some of the earliest signs of sun-induced premature aging. It’s a good idea to use sunscreen on a daily basis, whether or not you plan to spend long periods of time outdoors. And always apply sunscreen after going in the water or engaging in sports or other activities where perspiration can wash away some of the product along with its beneficial effects.

4. Do not spare the shades. Sunglasses which offer UV protection prevent more than glare. Worn regularly, they can protect your eyes and the skin around them from the dangerous effects of the sun, and keep crow’s feet and other fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Contrary to popular belief, darker lenses do not offer more protection. Look for lenses that offer 99 percent to 100 percent UV protection.

5. Stay away from tanning beds. Although you may think you look better in the short-term, over time tanning bed use can cause serious damage to skin. In addition to drying and prematurely aging skin, tanning bed use can dramatically increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

By following these steps, you can enjoy summer fun in the sun while still protecting yourself from potential skin damage, including wrinkling, sun spots, and even cancer.

For more details on how to protect your skin this summer, schedule an appointment with your local DermaNetwork cosmetic dermatologist.

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