I don’t know about where all of you live, but the last week or so has been abnormally hot and steamy! Honestly, after the long winter here at Fort Drum, it is a more than welcome change, but it is a bit too hot too soon. Regardless, I found myself outside a lot in the last few days, soaking up the sunshine, and traipsing around parks, shopping outdoors. But with this sudden onset of heat and sunshine, it’s easy to forget a very, very important factor…
The sun is dangerous!!
As soon as the sun pops out we’re all ready and raring to go spend time outdoors, fire up the BBQ, and lounge on the lawn. But it’s super important to remember that no matter what time of the year, the sun is still a pretty dangerous weapon for your precious and vulnerable skin (especially when you’ve spent so much time covered up in sweaters!). I can’t lie, I’m not always the best at remembering to apply some sort of sun protectant, probably because I don’t tend to burn all that often, but with a recent unrelated cancer diagnosis in my mom, I’m trying to be extra diligent this year!
Here’s a few quick tips on staying safe in the sunshine as the hot fun of the summertime rolls in:
Slather the sunscreen – any sunscreen with broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays is the best way to go here, and somewhere upwards of 30 SPF is recommended. Remember to read the labels carefully, and reapply as it recommends, as one application will not last all day! Apply generously and apply often, even when you’re only heading out for a day of shopping! And don’t forget your lips, most lip balms come with SPF in them, use it up! Oh, and if you don’t want sunscreen stains on your clothes/water bottles/etc., try a version without mineral oil in the ingredients.
Keep it shady – Anytime you can seek out shade while spending time outdoors is a bonus; UV rays are strong all year long, but get stronger in the springtime. Here’s a good reason to use that pretty patio umbrella!
Put a lid on it – your head that is! Wearing a hat will help to protect your scalp, an area that we don’t often remember to cover up, and an area that can be extremely painful to have a burn on (trust me, I’ve done it!). Plus, who wants to put sunscreen in their hair? Hat it up!
For Pete’s sake, don’t tan – Pete certainly doesn’t want skin cancer, and I bet you don’t either! Visiting tanning salons is just asking for issues (unless you’re spray tanning). Concentrating UV rays to your body for a short period of time is just a bad idea, invest in some tanning lotion instead or get some rays naturally outside (but use sunscreen!).
Get glam with sunglasses – most sunglasses include UV blocking lenses, which is great! Choose a pair with large frames or that wraps around the side somewhat to protect as much of your eye area as possible (they’re even fashionable!).
Enjoy the spring/summer, and the beautiful sunshine, just be safe doing it! We have enough to worry about as military spouses, let’s not let skin cancer be another concern!
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How do you protect yourself from the sun? Any tips to add? Share with us!
