Summer is here and that means barbecues, outdoor sports, trips to the lake and maximum exposure to the blazing sun rays. All guys have been there before. You think you’re invincible and spend hours in the sunlight. Later on that evening, you notice that you are about as red as a lobster. While trying to avoid a farmer’s tan, they got a nasty sunburn in exchange.
Sunburns are not only annoying, but they can be downright painful. Over time, they can cause permanent wrinkles and worse, skin cancers. Lesson learned and now you want to avoid getting sunburned like you avoid the plague. Besides, you want to enjoy the summer vibes, not the harmful UV rays. Here are the top 5 ways to avoid getting sunburned this season.
1. Wear sunscreen and reapply
Besides avoiding the sun altogether, your best fighting agent against its harmful UV rays is through the application of sunscreen. Opt for types that are at least 30 SPF. Anything below that can be less coverage, increasing your risk. It is also key that you reapply every few hours. Sunscreen absorbs into your skin over time so you need to reapply to provide continuous protection.
2. Cover it up!
Yes, the summer season can bring in some blistering temperatures but the harmful rays also come alongside that. Wearing covered clothing or accessories help tremendously against potential sunburns. Opt for light colors and cotton fabrics to alleviate discomfort from the heat. When you can, wear a hat to protect your face and sunglasses for your eyes. You cannot necessarily get sunburned on your eyes, but the harmful UV rays can definitely cause some damage to them.
3. Avoid peak hours of sun damage
The sun has an optimal time frame for emitting very damaging UV rays. When possible, avoid sun exposure between the hours of 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Throughout the day, you should find shade in general; but, it would be best to limit your time in the sun during these peak hours. Doing so will help you fight off risks for sunburns.
4. Lather on the oil
Regular application of natural oils such as coconut or jojoba can help you in your defense against sunburns. Your skin naturally absorbs the oil to sustain and restore its cellular production process. Maintaining your skin’s health is a good way to keep it strong when exposing it to the sun on a daily basis. The oils keep your skin hydrated and are all natural, so you do not have to worry about absorbing any damaging parabens.
5. Consume more Vitamin D
Limited sun exposure is good for you as it helps your body absorb Vitamin D, which is essential for the regulation of calcium and maintenance of your bones. You are able to protect yourself from UV rays by increasing your intake of Vitamin D through other sources like fish oil. Doing so can slightly increase your tolerance to the sun and in turn, prevent you from getting sunburned.
In the event of a sunburn...
You did everything you could, but sometimes, you still end up with a pesky sunburn. The best way to remedy its symptoms is to take a cool bath in order to bring your skin’s temperature down. Then, apply aloe vera to begin the healing process. Aloe vera is the number one cooling agent that is safe and effective. Be sure to drink plenty of water and apply lotion regularly to keep your skin as hydrated as possible.
Protecting yourself from sunburns does not make you a wuss. It makes you smart. Sunburns do more than cause temporary pain and discomfort. Over time, they can leave damaging effects on your skin and health. Safeguard yourself by following these easy tips and you can safely savor your summer activities.
Photo Credit:
Zachary Staines
