It’s no secret that the sun can wreak havoc on our skin. From painful sunburns to long-term damage, the harmful effects of UV rays are well-documented.

That’s why protecting ourselves from the sun is so important, not just during the summer months but year-round. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the power of sun protection and how you can take steps to keep your skin healthy and radiant.

Understanding UV Rays

Before we dive into sun protection tips, let’s take a moment to understand UV rays. UV, or ultraviolet, rays are a type of radiation that comes from the sun. There are three different types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVA rays are the longest and penetrate the deepest into the skin. They can cause long-term damage like wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays are shorter and primarily cause sunburns, but they can also contribute to skin cancer.

UVC rays, on the other hand, are the shortest and are absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere, so we don’t have to worry about them.

The Importance of Sun Protection

When we expose our skin to UV rays, we are essentially damaging our skin cells. Over time, this can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. That’s why it’s so important to protect ourselves from the sun.

Here are just a few reasons why:.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
Over 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun.
One bad sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer.

The good news is that protecting ourselves from the sun is relatively easy. Here are some tips:.

Wear Sunscreen

We’ve all heard it before: wear sunscreen! But what exactly does that mean? Here are some tips for choosing and using sunscreen:.

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Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Look for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, neck, and any other exposed areas.

Wear Protective Clothing

In addition to wearing sunscreen, it’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing. This can include long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Look for clothing made from tightly-woven fabrics that provide more protection from the sun.

Stay in the Shade

When possible, try to stay in the shade during the most intense hours of the day (usually between 10 am and 4 pm). This can help reduce your exposure to UV rays.

Be Mindful of Reflections

Did you know that UV rays can reflect off of surfaces like water, sand, and snow? This means that even if you’re in the shade, you can still be exposed to UV rays.

Be mindful of this when you’re near reflective surfaces and take extra precautions, like wearing a hat and sunglasses.

Don’t Forget Your Eyes

UV rays can also damage our eyes over time, contributing to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. That’s why it’s important to wear sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Look for sunglasses that have at least 99% UV protection.