All of us living in Southern California enjoy our beautiful sunny weather. However, many adverse skin conditions, including premature aging, skin discoloration, wrinkling, and skin cancers, result at least in part from excessive exposure to the sun. For this reason, especially during the summer months, it is important to take steps to prevent over exposure to the sun. In order to protect your skin from the sun, try to follow these recommendations. They have been endorsed by the environmental protection agency.
- Limit your exposure to the midday sun, as the sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 pm
- Seek shade, as shade is a good source of protection. Remember the shadow rule: “Watch your shadow. No shadow, seek shade”
- Wear a Wide Brim Hat. This offers good sun protection to your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck
- Cover Up. Wearing tightly woven, loose-fitting full-length clothing is good way to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Protective clothing includes long pants, long skirts, and long sleeved shirts
- Wear sunglasses that block 99-100 % of UV radiation. This will protect against cataracts and other eye damage
- Always use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Reapply every 2 hours or after working, swimming, playing, or exercising outdoors. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears and lip balm with sun block to your lips
- Avoid Sunlamps and Tanning Parlors; in general, it is a good idea to avoid artificial sources of UV light
- Watch the UV index. The UV index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun
