Utah is arguably one of the most beautiful states in the country, but there’s just one problem: summers in the Beehive State can get scorching, with average temps ranging from the high 80s and all the way up to 100F.
This can spell trouble for fair-skinned people, who will, most likely, burn up under the sizzling sun in no time if they don’t protect themselves. In fact, Ultraviolet, or UV, rays from the sun have been known to damage skin in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.
It’s not much of a problem if it’s a one-time thing; however, prolonged and repeated exposure to this type of damage can lead to a whole host of problems, from something as mild as sunburn to something as serious as melanoma, or even skin cancer.
Fortunately, these are highly preventable conditions, but only if you take some precautions. Dermatologists in Murray suggest these five easy-to-follow tips that can protect you from the damaging heat of the summer sun:
Always Use Sunscreen, Especially Outdoors
Sunscreen is your main weapon against the damage caused by UV rays. Especially during the summer, it’s best to use a sunscreen with SPF 150 and above. SPF refers to Sun Protection Factor and describes how effective a particular sunscreen is against UV rays. The higher the number, the better.
Although the American Academy of Dermatology recommend using SPF 30 for basic protection, it wouldn’t hurt to go higher just for that little extra layer of protection during the summer.
Wear the Right Type of Headgear
One of the best things to wear during the summer is a wide-brimmed hat, as this protects pretty much your entire head area, from your face and ears and all the way to your neck.
A baseball cap, however, can also work, but it’s best to layer on some sunscreen on your ears and neck, as these are usually exposed when wearing caps.
Wear the Right Type of Eyewear
Just because you’re under some kind of shade doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect your eyes: the glare bouncing off walls, structures, water surfaces, and the road can cause some pretty bad eye damage if you don’t protect yourself enough.
Wear sunglasses that are marked UVA or UVB, as these offer you protection against dangerous UV rays.
Always Check Your Skin for Unusual Spots
Skin damage isn’t always painful: sometimes, it manifests as moles or freckles. Monitor any existing marks on your body and see if it changes.
Of course, not every new skin mark spells trouble, but should new moles or freckles start popping up, it’s best to consult with your dermatologist, as this could be a sign of skin damage or skin cancer.
Some Medicines Make You Sensitive
Certain medications work in such a way that your skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. The usual suspects include anti-histamines like Benadryl, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen, some antibiotics, and some antidepressants. Check with your pharmacist and dermatologist about the side effects of your medication.
Meta title: Staying Safe from the Sun: Protect Your Skin with these 5 Tips
Meta description: Summers in Utah are no joke, so it’s always best to protect your skin from the scorching heat with these easy-to-follow tips.