As those of us in the northern hemisphere being to think of winter, those south of the equator are looking forward to the hotter months. Summer means the sun will be at its brightest, hottest, and most intense. You may think that’s a good thing because it brings warmth along with it. But too much of the sun can be hazardous to your health if proper precautions aren’t taken. Avoiding too much sun exposure is vital.
The first place you might notice the effects of summer sun exposure is on your face. When exposed for extended periods of time or under direct sunlight during peak hours (between 10 am—4 pm), UVB rays reflect off the surface of your skin and damage collagen fibres which make up 90% of your dermis. This results in fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. Sun damage has numerous other adverse side effects. Here is how to battle intense sun exposure when it’s summer.
Photo, Toa Heftiba.
Shade Your Home
A good way to protect yourself from the summer sun is by creating shade. It is highly recommended to install awnings in Tampa, Houston, San Diego, or any other particularly sunny locations in the summer. Awnings aren’t the only way to shade your home. Here are your other options…
Shade Trees
Make a point to plant trees near your home for shade. Don’t want to deal with the hassle of taking care of them? There are also pre-made options available online with all types of sizes and shapes.
Blinds and Curtains
There are several options available for shade. For example, you can install window blinds and curtains which you can lower to obstruct the sun during peak hours. If it’s an option you like, top-down shades such as roll-ups or roman shades work best.
Shade Pergolas
Designing shade pergolas in the front of your home is another great way to eliminate exposure. By creating an area with shading, you can relax in the shade during the summer while still enjoying your view of the outdoors. This gives you privacy and comfort when needed most.
However, it’s important that you do this before summer hits. Because it will require some construction work on your part. There are also companies that specialize in offering these services, although they’re going to be more expensive than doing it yourself.
Photo, BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific.
Wear Sunscreen
The most recommended way to protect yourself from the summer sun is by wearing sunscreen. There are great lotions and creams with SPF which will help reduce your exposure to UVB rays.
Ensure that you choose the best option available. Make sure you wear the right type of sunscreen as indicated on its label. This means choosing something that offers both UVA and UVB protection as it is beneficial for your skin’s health in the long run. Here are your options…
Sunscreen With Physical Protection
Some sunscreens offer physical protection to avoid damage by blocking UVA and UVB rays before they even reach your skin. These types of sunscreen are great for people who spend most of their time indoors during the summer. Because it offers strong resistance against incidental sun exposure.
However, if you want to be active during the summer, they might not be the best option. You have to reapply these types of sunscreens every couple of hours as they wear off easily when exposed to sweat or water. This is something else to keep in mind if you plan on swimming often.
Sunscreen With Chemical Protection
Another option that does not require constant reapplication depending on how much you sweat or get wet is a sunscreen with chemical protection. These types of sunscreen contain an ingredient called Octylcrylene which absorbs the UVB rays before they damage your skin.
This allows it to stay on your skin for a longer period of time without reapplication as needed with physical sunscreens. However, this type of sunscreen is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore. So, children or individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid them.
Sunscreen Stick
Sunscreen sticks make it convenient for you to reapply sunscreen even when away from home. They’re also great because they provide UVA and UVB protection as well as water resistance depending on its ingredients. These come with easy application prongs that help you apply the right amount of product under direct sunlight.
However, it’s important to remember that sunscreen sticks are easy targets for dirt and germs. So, they should be kept away from beaches or other dirty areas after each use.
Photo, Keren Fedida.
Choose Clothes Carefully
While sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from the sun, you should consider clothing and accessories if you are planning on being outdoors for longer periods of time.
When choosing clothes to wear in the summer, remember that dark colours absorb sunlight while lighter colours reflect it. The best options will be loose and light coloured clothing such as linen or cotton materials. You can also choose to wear a T-shirt underneath your shirt if you’re wearing long sleeves for extra protection from intense exposure.
Also, it’s a good idea to protect your head with a hat when going outdoors especially during summertime. Want t make sure your face is further protected from intense exposure? Then get yourself some sunglasses that offer UV protection.
Avoid Peak Sun Hours
The most dangerous times of day when dealing with intense sunlight are typically 10 am to 2 pm during summer. That’s because this is when the sun’s rays are strongest. Even through cloud coverage or other types of obstruction. During these hours, avoid being outdoors for too long. That means doing outdoor activities earlier in the morning or later in the evening where the sun is not as intense.
Photo, Pontus Ohlsson.
Be Sure to Stay Hydrated
One of the effects of intense summer heat is dehydration. This means that your body can lose water more quickly than it takes to replace it. This puts you at risk for developing heatstroke, heat exhaustion, or other serious conditions that require medical attention if not prevented.
To avoid these problems, always have a bottle of water on hand while outdoors during summertime. This will ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day. It’s also important to remember that alcohol consumption can cause dehydration. So, limit how much you drink while outdoors in order to maintain proper hydration levels.
All in all, while intense sunlight comes with its dangers, it can be dealt with if you know what precautions to take in order to avoid illness and injury. Choose the right sunscreen and apply it in the correct way. Shade your house. Drink plenty of water. And, pick the right clothes. If you follow these steps, you can protect yourself from intense sun exposure during summertime without having to worry about its negative effects.
