7 Ways to Protect Yourself from the Summer Sun

The sun can damage your skin and eyes, accelerating the effects of aging and even causing serious diseases. During the summer, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun so that you don’t damage your skin or eyes.

If you want to know more about protecting yourself from the sun, check out these seven tips.

1. Sunscreen

When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, sunscreen is the most popular choice. Sunscreen blocks out harmful UV rays, so your skin doesn’t get damaged. The level of protection depends on the SPF of the sunscreen. Ideally, you want at least SPF 30 sunscreen, and you might want to wear an even stronger sunscreen on your face and neck to prevent sunburn.

2. SPF Lip Balm

Your lips are also susceptible to damage from the sun, so protect them with a lip balm with SPF. As far as the recommended SPF goes, your lip balm should provide the same protection as your regular sunscreen. In other words, a 30 SPF lip balm will be just fine. However, you’re not going to hurt anything by opting for a higher SPF lip balm, so feel free to do that if your lips are particularly sensitive.

3. Wear a Hat

Most people think of hats primarily as fashion accessories, but they’re actually a great way to protect yourself from the sun. Hats protect your eyes and face, which are two of the most important parts of your body in terms of sun exposure. You can find men’s hats with wide brims that are specifically designed to block out more sun and protect your face and eyes.

4. Find Shade

You feel significantly hotter when you’re out in the sun, and you expose your skin, eyes, and lips directly to UV rays. When you’re spending time outside on a summer day, try to spend most of your time in the shade. Even sitting under a tree or near a tall structure can be a massive help when it comes to skincare.

5. Cover Your Skin

It’s tempting to wear very light clothes when it’s warm outside, but that doesn’t mean you should opt for the shortest shorts and t-shirt you can find. In fact, it’s best to wear longer clothes that protect your skin from the sun and instead opt for lightweight, breathable materials. There’s no avoiding spending time in the sun, so making sure you’re wearing the right outfits during the summer is the best way to keep your skin healthy.

6. Wear Sunglasses

You never want to damage your eyes, and exposure to the sun can cause substantial damage over time. If you don’t have a pair of sunglasses, pick some up before you spend a day out in the sun. Some men’s sunglasses are specifically designed to prevent glares and block out more UV rays, so those are the best ones to choose. You can talk with your optometrist to learn more about protecting your eyes with sunglasses.

7. Stay Out of Peak Sun

Staying outside all day in the summer is tempting, but try to enjoy the early morning and evening sun more than you enjoy the midday sun. Peak sun hours lead to a lot more UV ray exposure, plus it’s harder to get outside and stay active when it’s too hot. Try to do outdoor chores in the morning and outdoor activities in the evening when you can.

You need to protect yourself from the sun if you want to keep your skin looking healthy and protect your eyes. With hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some time in the shade, you can still enjoy the sunny weather without having to worry about damage from UV rays.