Spending time outside in the summer is a great way to stay active, reduce stress and get vitamin D. It's also important to make sure your skin is protected during your time outdoors. Too much sun can cause skin cancer —the most common cancer in the U.
S. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can damage skin cells. Protecting your skin from UV rays is important all year long and not just during the summer.
You can also be exposed to UV rays on cloudy or cool days. Here are steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun: Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. It should also have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Put a thick layer of sunscreen everywhere that will be exposed to the sun at least 20 minutes before going outside. It's also important to reapply your sunscreen because it does wear off. If you're out in the sun for more than two hours or swimming, sweating or toweling off, you need to reapply.
Make sure your sunscreen isn't expired. It's shelf life is no more than three years and shorter if it's been exposed to high temperatures. Sunglasses: In addition to protecting your eyes from UV rays, sunglasses also protect the more delicate skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
Most sunglasses sold in the U.S. block both UVA and UVB rays.
Hats and clothing: Hats with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears and the back of your neck offer the .
