Did you know that more than 600 people in the US die from extreme heat conditions each year?

Everyone wants a summer of fun, but it’s essential to take caution. It’s no secret that too much sun exposure can also cause serious and lasting skin damage.

It’s vitally important to take precautions in times of summer heat. Continue reading for five ways to protect your skin.

1. Wear Plenty of Sunscreen 

More than 90% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. And sunscreen is designed to protect you from these UV rays, thereby preserving the appearance and health of your skin.

Apply sunscreen generously onto every part of the body that is exposed to the sun. Reapply every couple of hours, and remember that it’s better to use too much than too little.

2. Choose the Right Clothing

Reducing exposure to the sun is crucial for taking care of your skin. And that’s why your wardrobe choices can make all the difference. 

You can buy clothes with special sun-protective material, or opt for long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Baseball caps or womens sun hats are excellent and stylish choices for keeping your facial skin safe. And having an umbrella at hand is also a good way to protect your skin from those powerful UV rays.

3. Drink Lots of Water

The combination of summer heat and the sun’s intense rays are a perfect recipe for drying out your skin. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is a super way to nullify this problem of excess water loss.

As well as skin damage, dehydration can also lead to fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.

4. Be Careful Around Water and Sand

Take extra care if you’re having a day out at the beach. Both water and sand can reflect the sun’s UV rays, increasing your chances of suffering from skin cancer and premature aging. Note that sand can reflect as much as 25% of UV radiation, meaning you can still suffer skin damage when sitting under a beach umbrella.

5. Avoid the Lunchtime Hours

The sun’s UV rays are most intense between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, and it’s a good idea to seek shade during this timeframe. When the sun is above you, your skin is at the highest risk of sunburn and sun damage.

Pay attention to the simple shadow rule to assess whether you should be in direct sunlight. If your shadow is short, seek shade and respite from the sun. If your shadow is longer, your risk of suffering skin damage is lower.

Don’t Underestimate That Summer Heat

If you want to protect your skin from the summer heat, it’s recommended to follow all five tips detailed above. Failing to do so can have severe consequences.

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