Summer Sun Safety Tips: How to Prevent Sunburn

Summer brings warmth and sunshine. It can be tempting to go outdoors and enjoy the season. However, with the joys of summer come the risks of sunburn. Exploring its causes and how to prevent sunburn can help you protect yourself during sunny days. It can help you in the long run to avoid fatal skin conditions such as skin cancer.

What Causes Sunburn?

Sunburn occurs when you expose the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV rays penetrate the outer layers of the skin, damaging cells and triggering inflammation. This damage manifests as red, painful skin that may blister in severe cases.

Prolonged or intense exposure increases the risk of sunburn. It can get more severe if you expose the skin during peak sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Summer Sun Safety Tips

• Use sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applying it 15–30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Seek shade: Limit direct sun exposure by staying in the shade. Practice this, particularly during midday hours when UV rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing: Choose lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, and wide-brimmed hats to protect exposed skin from UV rays.
• Use sunglasses: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
• Stay hydrated: Drink at least a liter of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated. It can also help cool your body temperature.
• Avoid tanning beds: UV radiation via tanning beds can potentially cause sunburn and raise the likelihood of skin cancer.

By incorporating these sun safety practices into your daily routine, you can enjoy the summer sun responsibly. You can lower your chances of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening in Sarasota, FL

Protecting your skin from sunburn can help you maintain skin health and prevent discomfort. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hiking in the mountains, following these summer sun safety tips will help you stay safe under the sun’s rays.

Remember, sunburns not only cause immediate pain but also contribute to skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer over time. If you want to learn more about skin cancer or schedule a routine skin cancer screening, call SkinSmart Dermatology® at 941-308-7546 to request an appointment.