July is National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month and we are spreading the word about the importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Below are four ways to protect yourself from the sun this summer.
- Stay in the Shade: Avoid or limit your time spent in the direct sunlight. The sun is strongest from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. During these hours, find a comfortable spot in the shade to relax.
- Apply Sunscreen: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen that is water-resistant, has an SPF of 30 or higher and provides broad-spectrum coverage. It takes 15 minutes for sunscreen to soak into your skin, so make sure you apply it before going outside. It is also important to re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Many of us don’t want to wear long-sleeved shirts or pants in the summer, but covering your skin can help protect it from the dangerous UV rays. Try wearing a lightweight long-sleeved shirt. Thin cottons and linens are the most comfortable fabrics during these hot summer months.
- Accessorize: Hats are a great way to protect your face, neck and ears from getting too much sun. Sunglasses are also a great resource to protect your eyes from UV damage. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays.