Spending time outdoors in the sun and lying out during the summer months is a common custom for many people. Whether you’re vacationing on the beach, outside fishing, or playing sports with friends, iIt’s essential that you remember to be very cautious when spending any amount of time in sunlight, whether direct or indirect. Too much sun exposure causes a myriad of problems that can be very dangerous and uncomfortable. The UV rays from the sun can cause skin cancer and other serious problems if the skin is not properly protected. Understanding sun safety is essential to avoiding these problems and to make sure you do not suffer from sun poisoning, sunburn, or worse.

One of the leading causes of wrinkly, aging skin is exposure to UV rays from sunlight. Those who are in the sun quite often will tend to have more wrinkles when they get older than those who do not. People who have been sunburned several times over the course of their lifetime are at a higher risk for skin cancer than people who have only been burnt once or twice, or than those who have never experienced painful sunburn. Sunburn can also cause rosacea and irritate acne prone skin. Exposure to too much sun can also cause dryness of the skin and ugly sun spots. The damage caused by UV rays is usually irreversible and in some cases such as skin cancer, it can also be fatal. More than one million people are affected by skin cancer in the United States each year. Some people can be cured, but others face a dangerous and often fatal situation. People who frequent tanning beds are at a much higher risk of various forms of sun damage. This is why it is so important to be sure you’re following some common sense sun safety rules so your skin can be protected.

Here are some helpful tips to help you stay protected while spending time in the sun:

• Always wear a high quality sunscreen when going out in the sun. If you are outdoors for a long period of time, be sure to reapply it. This should always be done after swimming or perspiring for an extended period of time.
• A good hat with a wide brim is an excellent way to protect the face from sunburn.
• Children’s skin is especially tender and delicate, and should be protected from direct sun exposure. Infants should not be exposed to too much sunlight.
• When possible, wear longer sleeves and lightly colored cotton clothing while outdoors.
• If you feel your skin become irritated, go indoors right away.
• Sunburn should be treated immediately and some sort of aloe-vera lotion or topical treatment that contains pain killing medication should be applied to the skin. Ibuprofin also helps with pain caused by sunburn.
• Drink a lot of water while outdoors in the sun; water keeps the body hydrated and helps to retain the skin’s moisture.
• Find a shady spot to sit in and keep under trees or bring an umbrella along to the beach with you.
• Try not to use tanning beds and if you do, do so in moderation and only for rare, special occasions.
• Wear sunglasses to help protect your eyes. The eyes can also experience harmful sun damage.
• For those who are bald or have thinning hair, apply sunscreen to the scalp to avoid sunburn in that area.
• Harmful UV rays can bounce off water, concrete, and even snow, so be diligent when it comes to sun safety in these areas.
• The sun is usually at its peak between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, so these are the times to be aware of when it comes to sun protection and spending any amount of time outdoors.
• Most sunscreens you use should be a minimum of SPF 15, but you can always choose a higher SPF level if you desire for added protection.
• People with fair skin, red hair, and those who have a history of skin cancer in their family should be especially careful when spending time in the sun.
• If you notice a mole or birthmark that has recently changed its shape, size, or color, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of potential skin cancer.
• Try to avoid staying out in direct sunlight for more than ten to fifteen minutes at a time, and do not seek out a place to be in the sun directly. Instead, choose shady and comfortable places to spend time outdoors.