We all love the sun! A walk on a sunny day can do wonders for our mood and it is also healthy! However, sun rays may be beneficial, but they can also have negative effects on your health in general and especially on your skin. As a result, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from its harmful effects, too. If you don’t protect yourself properly or if you overexpose of sunlight, you might end up with a severe skin condition like melanoma. So are the benefits worth the risk and if they are, can we avoid the negative impact of the sun? Let’s find out!
BENEFITS OF THE SUN FOR OUR HEALTH
Sun exposure has a lot of beneficial effects on your health. The sun is one of the best sources of vitamin D to our body, which is essential for our immune system, bone health, metabolism and more. There are many studies that connect sunlight exposure and vitamin D with the prevention of certain cancer types, improving mood and easing of mild depression! As a result, sunlight is really beneficial for anyone.
DANGERS OF UNPROTECTED SUN EXPOSURE
Too much sun exposure, especially without sunscreen, may lead to many health dangers. The most obvious one is the short-term skin damage. Sunburn is the most well-known one, which is the result of overexposure to UV rays. Sunburn results in reddening of skin, pain, discomfort, or if the sunburn is really intense in second-degree burns. However, there are even more dangers that have to do with the increase of certain skin cancer types, dehydration, skin aging, dizziness and more.
RESULTS
To sum up, it is obvious that we need the salubrious effects of sunlight, but we need to be extra careful in order to avoid the dangers. So here are some tips on how to protect yourself from the sun, while still enjoying the relaxing and healing sun sensation that you love!
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN
AVOID THE MOST ‘DANGEROUS’ HOURS OF THE DAY
Try to avoid sun exposure when the sunlight is most intense (usually from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Northern Hemisphere). If you are exposed to the sun during these hours, you should apply sunscreen regularly, even if you are just in your garden and not on an island in the Mediterranean Sea. After all, you are fully aware that you have to protect yourself at the beach, but most people are not aware of the dangers of sun exposure during just daily activities or tasks (going to work, going to the gym, gardening, etc.). Last, remember that even on cloudy days, the sun still affects you.
SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is by far the most important factor for protection during sun exposure, not only in the summer period but in general. When using a great sunscreen you block both UVA and UVB rays, which result in good protection of your skin. Just apply a thick layer on all exposed skin. Ask for help for hard-to-apply body places like your back. Never forget that even the best sunscreen needs reapplication from time to time, cause it wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and especially after swimming, sweating, or during your hours at the beach or pool. Last, do not use a sunscreen that was first opened and used three years ago. Every sunscreen is less effective as time goes by, so do be careful!
HAT
Sun exposure on the head may result in dizziness. However, wearing a hat that covers your face and preferably also your neck from direct sun exposure can be great for avoiding sunburn and dizziness. The neck is quite often exposed to sunlight and that can lead to sunburn and dryness. So, a hat can be a great accessory that can protect you on a sunny day.
SUNGLASSES
Sun exposure without the proper protection may damage the eyes as well as the skin. Even 1 day in the sun can lead to a burned cornea (the outer clear membrane layer of the eye). Also, it is worth mentioning that sun exposure over time might cause cataracts later in life. The best way to protect your eyes is by wearing proper sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. In this way, your eyes are protected, the skin around your eyes is safe and obviously, you have clearer vision during a lovely sunny day!
SHADE
Shade is really important, both for the prevention of sunlight dangers and also if you start feeling less good because of the sunlight. You may cover yourself from the sun by staying in the shade under an umbrella, a tree etc. You may not enjoy the sun as much, but you will be surely protected to a good extent.
WATER
Drinking enough water, as well as using sunscreen regularly, are arguably the two most important factors for enjoying the sun and still be protected. Dehydration is a huge problem in heat weather and may lead to discomfort, dryness of skin, and dizziness. As a result, do not forget to drink enough water or fresh juices to remain as hydrated as possible (especially if you’re a fan of tanning).
Conclusion
It is really possible to acquire the benefits of sunlight and still be protected by its negative effects of it, even during summer days. You just have to adopt some good habits that will most definitely protect you from UV rays and make your daily life as well as your summer vacation even better, healthier and enjoyable!
If you want to experience the protection, safety and love that nature can give, you will be in the right place, with just a click here!
