how to enjoy the sun SAFELY

8

1 Cover Up

iving in Fargo for the last four years has made me appreciate the warmer months more. I am sure you can relate to this too. So at the first sign of warmth, most of us want to go outside and enjoy the sun.

With prolonged exposure to the sun there comes the painful sunburn, brown spots, skin irritation and such. To protect our skin from these adverse effects, today we are going to talk about eight easy ways to have a sun-safe summer.

Ways To Protect Your Skin This Summer

In the summer we like to choose light-colored, lightweight and loosely-woven fabrics. But unfortunately, these do not offer much sun protection. Clothing made of tightly-woven fabric is best to protect our skin from the sun.

How do you test if a fabric can protect your skin? Hold it up to the light. If you can see through it, then UV radiation can penetrate the fabric and your skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sarongs, long maxi dress and cover up any exposed areas from the sun as much as possible.

2 Accessorize

We often forget four areas of our body to protect from the sun: the tops of the ears, the back of the neck, hands and feet. Did you know, 80 percent of skin cancers occur on the head, neck and hands? Scary, I know!

Try bucket, outback or tightly woven canvas hats, oversized sunglasses, and umbrellas. These are cute and essential for sun protection. To protect your hands and feet, apply a good amount of sunscreen.

3 Sunscreen

Although you need to use sunscreen all year round, during the summer this is a must. Think of it like this: your body needs food and water, and, just like that, it also needs sunscreen when exposed to the sun.

Choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen with a higher SPF, even if it's cloudy outside. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen.

Apply it to your entire body at least 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the skin to absorb it.

If you wear makeup, choose products with SPF for additional defense.

The sun can burn the sensitive skin on the lips. So use a lip product with SPF as well.

4 Reapply:

Can you apply sunscreen before going out and forget about it for the rest of the day? Nope.

You have to reapply it every 2–3 hours — more often if you're sweating or getting wet. A great way to reapply sunscreen is if you choose a product in powder or spray form. Like Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30 or Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray. These are great for reapplication.

5 Say no to sunbathing:

Repeat with me: “I shall not sunbathe.”

Sunbathing, along with tanning oils, enhances the effects of ultraviolet rays and creates serious sunburn and skin damage. If you must be tan, use specially-made products for self-tanning; which brings us to the next point.

6 Avoid suntanning and UV tanning beds:

Tanning beds, tanning booths and sunlamps are nothing but the enemy to our skin. These increase the chance of skin damage and cancer. Use self-tanning products like Vita Liberata Fabulous Self-Tanning Lotion, Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer or St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse.

7 Limit the sun time:

The sun's rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay indoors during this time. Plan your outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you must be outdoors, use protective measures mentioned above.

8 Be mindful of medication:

Some specific types of antibiotics (tetracycline), anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapies increase skin sensitivity and risk of sunburn. So it’s wise to consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medications.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. But a day in the sun doesn't have to risk your health. By being smart about the sun and protecting yourself from the ultraviolet light you are going to lower the risk factor tremendously.

The team of experts at Sanford Reproductive Medicine has been focused on making the dream of parenthood come true for couples for more than 20 years. Our success rates consistently rank higher than the national average. And with outreach and telehealth services, we can help couples throughout the region.

keyword: RMI.