The skin is the body’s largest organ and protects you against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. Overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays from both the sun and indoor tanning lamps can cause may health issues such as skin cancer, eye problems, a weakened immune system, age spots, wrinkles, and leathery skin. Here are some simple tips you can use to safeguard your body from the effects of UV rays:
- Wear proper clothing that sufficiently covers your skin as well as a hat and UV-resistant sunglasses.
- Seek shade during the sun’s peak burning hours from 10am to 4pm or create your “own shade” with a wide-brimmed hat.
- Twenty minutes before going outside, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with a SPF of at least 15. SPF30 is recommended.
- Re-apply sunscreen every two hours at a minimum. More frequently if swimming or sweating.
- Use extra caution near reflective surfaces like water, snow, and sand which increase your chances of a sunburn even when in a relatively shady area.