It’s June, which means long hot summer days are near – if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere at least.
No matter which side of the equator you’re on, however, there’s one thing you’ll always want to be conscious about – good skin care.
Even in the winter, UV radiation can have harmful effects. According to the American Cancer Society, sunlight hits us with two types of harmful rays:
UVA – ages skins cells and damages our DNA
UVB – stronger rays that damage DNA, cause sunburns, and contribute more to skin cancer.
It’s very important to protect your skin no matter the time of year, both for looking young and for staying healthy. So, what’s the best way to stay safe under the sun?
- Use sunblock of at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30.
The higher number the better, but your sunblock needs to be at least rated at 30 SPF, otherwise it’s really not providing you with any meaningful protection. - Wear a hat and sunglasses. Covering your skin is the best defense and your head is the most vulnerable to UV radiation, especially your eyes. Using a hat and sunglasses when you’re outside will protect and help keep you cooler.
- Stay hydrated. No, drinking lots of water won’t protect you from the sun’s rays, but it will help you recover faster when you’ve been out in the sun too long. Drinking water and applying moisturiser when you’re back inside will go a long way towards helping your skin stay healthy.
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