Protecting Your Skin From UV Radiation

Protecting Your Skin From UV Radiation

Protecting Your Skin From UV Radiation

sunburn
sunburn

UV radiation is yet another thing that you need to worry about if you plan on spending any time outdoors this summer. After all of the time that everyone’s spent in lockdown, the odds are you’re looking to spend some time outside, whether it’s having a picnic at the park, going for a hike, or hitting up the beaches in California. However you decide to enjoy the summer, it’s crucial that you protect your skin against UV radiation. To help spread awareness about the importance of UV radiation protection, July has been designated as UV Safety Awareness Month.

The Dangers of UV Radiation

UV light can come from any number of sources, including tanning beds. However, the primary source is sunlight. Exposure to UV light can cause your skin to wrinkle and leather over time. Short-term exposure can result in painful sunburns. However, long-term overexposure can lead to more serious issues, such as skin cancer. Skin cancer is a serious problem in the U.S. Roughly 5.4 million skin cancers are diagnosed every year, according to the American Cancer Society.

How To Protect Your Skin Against UV Radiation

It’s important to understand that you are still exposing yourself to UV radiation even if there’s cloud cover. Just because the sunlight isn’t hitting you directly doesn’t mean the UV rays aren’t getting through. As such, follow these tips if you plan on being outside, whether there’s cloud cover or not:

  • Wear protective clothing – Loose-fitting clothing can help protect your skin, but be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses as well to shield you against UV rays.
  • Stay in the shade when possible – If you’re going to spend an extended amount of time outside, be sure to stay in the shade, whether it’s under the cover of a tree or under an umbrella.
  • Use sunscreen – Whenever you plan to spend extended time outdoors, apply sunscreen to skin that will be exposed to the sun. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

Use these safety tips to protect against UV radiation when spending time outside in California. For more summer safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today.