5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin Outdoors

It’s especially important to protect your skin during summer when UV rays are the strongest.

For those of you who enjoy hikes, bikes, and runs, you may enjoy soaking up the sun – your skin may not be quite as enthusiastic. It’s especially important to protect your skin during summer when UV rays are the strongest.

1. Cover Up

Unless you’re looking to sweat off your Quarantine 40 (that’s me anyway) – the last thing you want is to layer up in the heat of the summer sun. But protecting bare skin doesn’t mean you have to overheat yourself. Choose loose, light-colored clothing that’s airy. Hats (especially mesh-backed trucker caps or wide brim gardening hats), moisture-wicking athletic clothing, or even breathable synthetic swimwear are good alternatives to tees and jeans. And yes Chad, make sure you wear a shirt.

2. Wear Sunscreen

Application – The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of your sunscreen rates its effectiveness at blocking UV rays. Never use sunscreen less than SPF 15, even if you’re blessed with beautifully bronzed skin (my Norwegian ancestors are laughing at me right now)! In fact I’d suggest you take a page out of cancer.org’s book and go for SPF 30 or higher. The sun’s rays are the most direct between high-noon and 2:00 pm – it’s advisable to avoid overexposure during these hours

Reapplication – Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen wears off. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours or even more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. And even if a company claims that its products of sweat or water-resistant, no sunscreen is sweat or waterproof. Don’t let clever claims fool you into a week of ouchy burns.

Choose a type – Did you know there are different types of sunscreen for different skin types? If you have dry skin, lotion sunscreen is the way to go. But if you have oily skin, try a gel or spray-on sunscreen. It will keep your skin from feeling greasy, and most spray ons will dry upon contact (like all of my exes affection during quarantine).

Expiration dates – Be forewarned that expired sunscreen won’t protect you. While it may still apply without irritation or separation, manufacturers cannot guarantee its success or effectiveness after the printed date (a fine game to play with Pringles… not so much with the safety and health of your skin). If you’ve owned any sunscreen for more than three years or it’s been exposed to high temperatures, toss it out and buy yourself a fresh bottle. Your skin will thank you (and so will your sunscreen company).

Cosmetics – Lots of makeup and lip balms have sunscreen in them too. And not just moisturizers but bronzers, shadows, foundations and even mascara’s (a little excessive if you ask me, but I’ve seen it). Try to choose brands that will protect your skin and most align with the stuff that you already use to make feel fabulous.

3. Slap on a Hat

We already talked about this a little bit, but some of the easiest areas to forget about are the part in your hair (or even the space between the follicles themselves… not even hair can totally block the sun), the tops of your ears, and your neck, forehead, cheeks and nose. So why not wear a hat? Usually a wide brim is enough, but if you can find a hat with a four-inch brim that will cover all these areas and the back of your neck too, then you’re sitting pretty sister.

4. Wear Sunglasses

Your eyes need protection from the sun just as much as your skin does. Did you know that you can sunburn the retina, iris and even your corneas? So don’t be afraid to pick up a pair of sunglasses for the next time you’re out and about.

And a word of advice: not all sunglasses are created equal. The ideal pair should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays – claims of “UV” blocking could refer to either or both, so be sure to check the label before you buy. Maui Jem makes some great shades. Explore Their Product Offering Here

5. Watch Your Surroundings

There are lots of things around you that can increase the intensity of the sun’s rays. Water, snow, white sandy beaches, and even cloud cover can reflect the sun’s rays back at you and cause serious sunburns, so keep an eye out. Seek shade, and if it’s not available refer back to number 2 and apply and reapply often!

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