Skin Care in the Sun

Skin care in the Sun

The most important way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, freckles, age spots and rough, dry skin. Sun exposure can also cause more-serious problems, such as skin cancer. For the most complete sun protection:

•Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest, so try to stay in the shade during these hours.

•Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. You might also opt for special sun-protective clothing, which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable. They also offer swimsuits with this kind of technology.

•Use sunscreen when you’re in the sun. Apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors. This is important because it takes time for the sunscreen to soak in and provide its protective layer. Reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.

•Be sure to stay hydrated. Your skin will show evidence of dehydration by looking dry and cracked, which eventually leads to wrinkles. It’s also important to drink extra water while you’re out in the sun, as you lose water when you sweat.

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