Summer has finally arrived and warmer days are sitting in fast. Whether you are waiting for your first family bar-be-cue or waiting to take a quick dip at the local pool, summer means being outdoors. As you enjoy the warmth and sunshine it is important to protect your skin.
Sunscreen is an obvious need for skin protection, but the level is also important. Use a high level sunscreen for top protection and reapply often. If you have children try using a waterproof sunscreen that will last for several hours. However, even waterproof sunscreen has its limits. Make sure to read the directions to see how often to reapply.
Even though it is tempting to wear smaller or fewer pieces of clothing in the summer, this is not always best. Wear breathable fabrics, but keep skin covered when possible. Even one sunburn can damage skin badly. If shorts and tank tops are a must, then wear a hat or visor to protect the face, with plenty of sunscreen on exposed skin.
Sunscreen is an obvious need for skin protection, but the level is also important. Use a high level sunscreen for top protection and reapply often.
Some people try to get a ‘base tan’ by going to a tanning bed. Tanning beds can create bad burns and even when tanning can irreparably damage the skin. Tanning beds also allow people to tan nude which exposes body parts that are untouched by the sun and can cause dangerous burns.
If by chance you do get burned, take immediate action. Use pure aloe to soothe burned skin and keep it from getting more damaged. If you do get a sunburn you will feel the heat of the burn worse as the sun goes down. The aloe will soothe and cool the burn over time, but will need reapplied often. As sunburns can take four to six hours to truly develop, they often sneak up on a person. The burn itself can cause wrinkles over time, so act quickly to save your skin. If you have a burn developing, take a cool shower and slather on the moisturizer. Your skin will thank you and peeling can be kept to a minimum. Sunburns can cause dehydration so drinking water and other electrolyte filled fluids is a good idea. If you or your child get a bad burn then a dose of something such as ibuprofen can help.
So go enjoy your summer, but be careful and protect your skin. When you are older you will be thankful for the extra protection.
