Summertime can mean fun in the sun, but you better be careful about how much time you spend in the sun. Overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburns, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer, including melanoma. The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure in the United States. UV rays are the greatest during the late spring and early summer.
Tell-tale signs of sun damage are over-excessive freckling (sun spots) on the skin, wrinkling, and ongoing redness and possible rash. More than half of sun damage cases can lead to skin cancer.
Light skinned and light eyed individuals are at most risk. (red-heads and blondes) as well people who are outdoors quite a bit. Tanning beds can also be dangerous to the skin and carry a higher risk of a melanoma threat. Using a daily sunscreen or moisturizer of SPF 30 and SPF 50 or more when at the pool or outdoors is recommended. You also need to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours throughout the day.
Here are some other tips to help protect your skin this summer:
Summer sun. In combination with the heat, humidity, and air conditioning – will wreak havoc on your skin. Moisturize with SPF before sun, and use a richer lotion after sun, after bath, and before bed to keep skin hydrated, soft, and smooth.
Keep hydrated. Drink water throughout the day. If you're on the go, try bringing a bottle and a container of fresh fruit on the go to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.
Exfoliate. Depending on your skin type, exfoliate either 1-2 times a week if you're dry and 2-3 times a week if you're oily to help shed dead skin buildup and slough off previous sun damage. Doing so helps rejuvenate skin, leaving it soft and brighter.