How You Can Protect Your Skin This Summer

The birds are chirping, the days are getting longer and the landscape is getting more colorful by the day. Do you know what all that means? It means it’s time to catch some of the sun’s rays, of course!

While soaking up some sun can reinvigorate your sense of well-being and facilitate your body’s production of vitamin D, overexposure to sunlight has its fair share of drawbacks. Although that’s true, you can do some things to avoid the harmful effects of sunlight – and we’re here to help you figure out what those things are. Just like Organic Restaurants exists to help you enjoy healthy eating on your own terms, we’re here to help you enjoy time in the sun in a healthy manner.

Take Cover When Sunlight Is the Most Intense

Sunlight is the most intense between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. That time period is when you’ll run the greatest risk of suffering sunburn. If you can’t stay inside from midmorning to midafternoon, at least take cover under some kind of shelter, such as an umbrella, an awning or a leafy tree.

Staying inside or under a sun-blocking shelter isn’t the only way you should take cover when the sun is at its strongest. You should also wear protective clothing, a hat with a broad brim, and sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection.

Apply Sunscreen Often

While you may know you should apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you head out into the sun, you may not realize that all sunscreens aren’t created equally. Sunscreens that have higher SPF numbers are more effective at protecting you from the sun than alternatives that have lower SPF ratings. To benefit from the protection a sunscreen can provide, look for a product that has an SPF of at least 30.

Applying sunscreen before you step outside isn’t enough to provide lasting protection. You should re-apply your sunscreen every two hours, after every dip in the water, and whenever you notice you’ve been sweating.

Before you trust an old bottle, stick, or tube of sunscreen to protect you from the sun’s damaging rays, you should check the date on the container. In general, sunscreen has a shelf life of about three years. Sunscreen is good for an even shorter period of time if it’s stored in hotter places. If your sunscreen is outdated, buy new.

Reconsider Your Makeup

While you might not realize it, makeup can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Although that’s true, makeup isn’t as effective at protecting your skin as sunscreen is. For maximum protection from the sun, consider putting on your makeup after you apply a layer of sunscreen.

You may also want to reconsider the type of makeup you wear outside. Compared to other products, eye shadow, powders, and mineral makeup provide greater protection against UV rays.

Contact Organic Restaurants

Do you have more ideas about how people can protect their skin during the summer? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Contact Organic Restaurants today.

Are you ready to soak up some sun while you enjoy a healthy meal? Check out our database of organic food restaurants now.