Preventing sun damage is an important part of preserving your appearance and your health. Exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet (UVB) rays can cause early wrinkles, skin cancer and other skin problems, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Damage usually occurs after years of sun exposure, making it especially important to practice sun protection from an early age. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and consistently using sunscreen can help reduce your chance of developing sun damage.
Step 1
Stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are particularly strong.
Step 2
Wear tightly woven clothing when in the sun to prevent rays from penetrating your skin through your clothes. Buy sun protective clothing and swimwear that adds built-in UV protection.
Step 3
Protect your face from sun damage by wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you are exposed to the sun.
Step 4
Choose sunglasses that wrap around the eyes and provide protection from UV light. Check sunglass labels to determine if UV protection is provided by your sunglass lenses.
Step 5
Buy sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection is provided, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Choose broad spectrum sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Step 6
Reapply sunscreen after sweating or swimming. Waterproof sunscreens may last slightly longer than non-waterproof versions, but waterproof sunscreen must still be applied frequently for maximum protection.
Step 7
Invest in a beach umbrella if you enjoy spending the day near the water. The umbrella, used in conjunction with sunscreen, will help prevent sun damage.
Tips and Warnings
- Find a shady spot if you must spend time outdoors to reduce your sun exposure. Apply sunscreen even if you plan to spend time in the shade, as rays may still penetrate shady areas. Check the side effects of any medication you are taking. If sun sensitivity, also called photo sensitivity, is listed as a side effect, be sure to apply sunscreen every time you leave home. Use sunscreen even if it's cloudy or if you plan to spend time in the water. Approximately 60 to 80 percent of the sun's rays penetrate clouds and the first foot of water, according to KidsHealth.org.
- Don't be fooled into thinking that sunlamps and tanning beds provide a safe tan. A tan results when the outer layer of your skin is damaged by ultraviolet rays and you can just as easily develop this damage from a tanning bed as you can from actual sun exposure. Don't use sunscreen on children younger than six months old. Instead, keep babies out of the sun and use hats to prevent sun damage.
Things You'll Need
- Tightly woven clothing
- Sun protective clothing
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Beach umbrella
