Skin Protection in the Summer Sun

No matter what time of year, it is important that we take special precautions to protect our skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Our skin can be exposed to UV rays when it’s sunny or cloudy and we can even get a sunburn from rays that are reflected off of snow! (UV rays are also reflected off of surfaces like water, sand, and cement.)

With the weather getting warmer and summer just around the corner, we’ll be spending more and more time outside. Depending on how strong the UV rays are, it can take anywhere from ten minutes to an hour to develop a sunburn.

Here are some easy ways to protect your skin while you’re having fun in the sun:

Sunscreen. Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin before you go outside. Ask for help to apply to hard to reach areas and don’t forget to get your head – including your ears, neck, scalp, and face. Choose an SPF protection level of at least 15; but remember, the higher the better! It is also important to reapply! Sunscreen doesn’t last forever and should be reapplied every few hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.


Sunglasses. Sunglasses play a significant role in protecting our eyes and the skin around them as well as reduce the risk of cataracts. Look for sunglasses that shield both UVA and UVB rays (most pairs in the United States should meet this standard).

Hats. The best type of hat to wear in the sun will have a full brim that shades your neck, face, and ears. Although any hat is better than none, straw hats and baseball caps may not block all the sun and give you full coverage.

Clothing. The best type of clothing to wear in the sun is a loose long-sleeved t-shirt and long pants. Darker colors also provide more protection than light. This may not be practical depending on the sport or activity you are doing, so protect yourself the best you can.

Shade. Seek the shade when possible by using an umbrella, sitting under a tree, or going to a shelter at the park.

For the best protection, incorporate each of these practices into your summer routine! Although implementing just one suggestion will provide some protection, combined they will keep your skin healthy, sunburn-free, and able to enjoy the sun all summer long.

Sources:"How Fast Can You Sunburn?" Sun Safety Alliance. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/sunburn.html>.

"Prevention - Skin Cancer." CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Apr. 2013. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm>.