While you may like the feeling of the sun on your skin, too much sun exposure can be harmful to your health. The sun's ultraviolet radiation can contribute to skin cancer, cataracts and premature aging. For this reason, it's important to protect your skin each time you step into the sun. While there are a variety of ways to accomplish this, using as many different methods as you comfortably can, ensures protection.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin because broad-spectrum sunscreens can block both ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B rays. While sun protection ingredients can vary, they generally work to absorb, reflect or scatter the sun's rays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Reapply frequently and wear a waterproof sunscreen if you know you will be sweating or swimming. Always check your sunscreen's expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years. High temperatures reduce its shelf life.
Protective Clothing
Clothing made from tightly woven fabric can help to protect your skin from the sun. Long pants and loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts can help -- darker colors are preferable because they tend to block the sun more effectively. However, a typical T-shirt offers an SPF of less than 15, according to the CDC. You should use protective clothing in combination with sunscreen.
Hats and Sunglasses
Because the sun can cause premature aging symptoms like wrinkles and age spots, it is important to protect your facial skin from the sun. Wearing a wide-brim hat that covers your face, ears and back of your neck is a good place to start. Like clothing, the more tightly woven the material, the better protection it offers. Canvas material is a preferred sun protection option over a straw hat. Wearing wraparound sunglasses can help protect the sensitive skin around your eyes. It's best to still apply sunscreen around your eyes even if you are wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Lip Balm and Makeup Products
Because your lips can burn just like your other exposed skin, choosing a lip balm product with an SPF of 15 or higher can help. The moisture in lip balm also helps prevent chapping and dryness. However, you must reapply frequently as it can rub off when eating, drinking, or even talking. Makeup foundations and powders also are available with an SPF of 15 and higher. However, makeup products are not typically as water-protectant as sunscreen -- and can rub off just as easily; re-apply frequently.
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