As research has shown us time and time again how dangerous the sun’s UV rays can be, heading out to spend time under the sun can be quite the scary thought. Fortunately, the same studies have allowed us to understand how we take the necessary precautions to ensure we are safe from sunburn, cancer, and other dangers the sun can cause.
Despite the risks, however, the sun provides many benefits we need to maintain our health and wellbeing. Healthy doses of sunshine help regulate your body’s internal clock, alleviate stress, prevent certain deficiencies, and much more.
With that said, preparing one’s skin to be exposed to the sun is not all that hard. All it requires is a little bit of know-how and effort.
Be careful when soaking up the sun’s rays
For many, the best way to enjoy the sun while minimizing the risk is to choose the right time to head out in the first place. For instance, heading out in the afternoon when the sun is at its strongest will only put individuals at risk of skin damage. On the other hand, going out when the sun’s barely risen or already set means that little to no benefit will be gained.
As such, the best time is generally before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. However, this time will vary from place to place, so tools like mobile apps made specifically to tell which times UV will be at its peak can help individuals plan their day more carefully.
Another way to stay safe while soaking in the sun is to look for shady spots to hide under when the sun gets too hot. Plus, they are great places to give the skin a break, giving you a chance to sit down and apply some sunscreen to ensure maximum protection against harmful rays.
Protective clothing is also vital to keep the skin safe, even in the parts you don’t expect to be exposed to the sun. For instance, snow and water can bounce rays onto your legs, which can be just as dangerous as being directly under the sun.
Finally, opting to soak up some artificial sunlight is no way safer than the real thing. Things like tanning beds and other indoor tanning alternatives, while allowing individuals to enjoy a thorough tanning session, is no way better when it comes to safety. In fact, it is well-known that such equipment has been linked to the development of melanoma.
Conclusion
To summarize, the best way to stay safe while under the sun is to learn about the harmful effects of overexposure and remain proactive in keeping your skin safe. This can include applying sunscreen thoroughly and looking for shades to shield yourself from the blazing afternoon sun.
In other words, be mindful if you are looking to enjoy the benefits of the sun. Only that way can you reap to the benefits of enjoying the outdoors without having to pay the consequence of hurting your skin later on.
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