Protecting yourself in the sun
July 21, 2021
Did you know that sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer and cataracts? It also is to blame for up to 90% of visible aging.
Sun damage adds up day after day — even when it’s cloudy — so make sun protection part of your everyday routine.
The best way to avoid trouble?
Clothing.
Start with a hat because those harmful rays reach your scalp and your ears when you leave your noggin unprotected. And remember, baseball caps are not nearly as effective as hats with broad brims because they leave your ears exposed. Block the sun by wearing clothes that you can not see the light through.
Sunscreen.
Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin whenever you go outside, even on cloudy days.
Sunscreen comes in many different forms, lotions, creams, ointments, gels, wax sticks, and spray. So choose the one that works best for you. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially when swimming or sweating. Don’t forget your lips apply lip balm with an SPF 30 or higher, often.
Sunglasses.
Wear sunglasses when possible to avoid UV exposure to your eyes that could cause cataracts.