Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is an important part of staying healthy. It might be tempting to spend some extra time in the sun, especially in the summer and fall, but you should also take the necessary steps to prevent getting harmful burns. Here are a few ways you can protect yourself from UV rays.

Stay in the Shade

The sun is at its peak strength between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. That’s when you have the highest chance of getting burnt by UV rays. Find areas that have a lot of shade or just stay inside until after 2 p.m. Even if you go out after 2 p.m., you should still avoid being in the direct sun without protection. The sun is still plenty potent while it’s up there.

Wear Protective Clothing and Sunscreen

There are a lot of products on the shelves at local pharmacies during the summer that boast their strength in protecting your skin from the sun. You want to find ones that have a very high SPF (sun protection factor). SPF ranges from as little as 2 to as high as 100. Be sure to use a sun protectant any time you go outside. This should be done year-round if possible.

Clothes have SPF ratings too. You can find shirts and shorts that have a high rating, and you can also wear a hat. A hat can block the sun and protect your scalp but be sure to get one with thicker fabric.

Wear Sunglasses

When people think about protecting themselves from UV rays, they tend to focus on their skin, which is natural. It’s the part of their body that is exposed the most to the sun. But there’s another body part that they should also take care of – their eyes. UV-blocking sunglasses can help reduce the effect of harmful rays and make it easier for you to see.

Did you know staying in the sun for 20 minutes can provide you with the recommended dose of vitamin D? Spending a bit of time in the sun can also boost your and your family’s mood. But it’s important to remember to protect yourself so that you can enjoy many years of spending time outdoors.

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