Your skin is your body’s first and most important line of defense against all types of diseases, infections and pollutants. It’s also the body’s most exposed and vulnerable layer when it comes to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Ultraviolet rays (also commonly referred to as UV rays) are the primary cause of skin cancer and should be taken seriously.
During the summer, most people spend more time outdoors when UV rays are strongest. That’s why it’s so important to take extra precautions during the summertime to protect your skin. July is UV Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to learn how to prevent too much exposure to harmful UV rays. Here are a few facts you should know about protecting your skin.
Understanding UV Radiation
By now, you probably know that UV rays are bad, but do you know why? Here’s a brief overview of what UV radiation is and how it impacts your skin. Human skin is made up of multiple layers. The outermost layer is called the epidermis. This is the layer that is most exposed to UV rays. UV radiation is comprised of both UVA and UVB rays. Both of these types of rays cause different types of damage.
UVA rays lead to age spots, genetic damage to the skin, eye injury and premature injury. UVB rays can cause sunburns, which increase your risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer). While sunlight is a huge culprit behind the rising rates of skin cancer in the United States, tanning beds and lamps are also common causes of skin cancer since they expose your body to UV rays.
Top Ways To Protect Your Skin This Summer
Now that you know the main sources of UV ray exposure, it’s time to learn how to protect your skin this summer. Here are several things you can do to keep your delicate skin safe from damage.
Wear a Hat
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat (such as a sun hat) can minimize sun exposure to your head, neck and chest. Even a regular baseball hat offers some protection from UV rays. If you plan to spend a lot of time in direct sunlight, wear a hat.
Apply Sunscreen if You Plan To Spend Time Outside
Most people don’t need sunscreen if they plan to be out in the sun for 10 minutes or less. But if you know you’ll be outside longer than that, apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and reapply it every couple of hours.
Don’t Go To Tanning Beds
It’s nice to get a golden tan before you head out to the beach for the first time in the summer, but it’s a bad idea. Tanning beds can hurt your skin just as much as the sun can. Use airbrush tanning instead. Newport Medical and Wellness Center offers natural airbrush tanning for an affordable price. It’s a better way to color your skin without damaging it.
These are all great ways to keep your skin safe from excessive UV ray exposure this summer. Protect the skin you’re in and it will protect you!
