Sun Safety Beyond the Summer: Year-Round UV Protection Tips

August is Sun Safety Month, but protecting your skin from the sun is a task that involves year-round diligence. Learn how the sun affects your skin in every season, along with some handy tips to keep you protected.

Why You Need UV Protection Throughout the Year

UV protection is always necessary, even when the summer starts winding down. The sun's rays can cause damage during any season, not just only on sunny summer days. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage your skin, cause skin aging, and elevate the risk of skin cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control encourages "daily protection from the sun" to minimize skin damage. While summer seems to be the harshest level of sun, it’s crucial to remember that UV rays are present all year round, even on cloudy or cold days. Apply sunscreen every day as a basic rule for maintaining healthy skin.

How to Protect Yourself Year Round

Regardless of the season, it’s always smart to be aware of your sun safety. Here's how to be sun safe during each of the seasons:

Summer

Our skin is most exposed to the sun during summer, especially around the swimming pool. Here's how to protect yourself:

• Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen a minimum of every two hours and immediately after swimming. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30.
• Swimwear: Look for swimwear with built-in UV protection for an extra layer of defense from the sun. Many brands are easily accessible with a lot of trendy options that fit the bill on safety. Consider adding a sun hat to provide even more protection for your face and neck.
• Shade: Set your pool area with umbrellas, pergolas, awnings, or some type of shade. This will allow for a more relaxed area out of the sunshine and will also protect from burn and overheating during peak sunlight hours.
• Hydration: Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day so that your whole body stays hydrated. Dehydration is possible at extremely rapid rates when out in the sun, so always carry a water bottle with you.

Fall

While fall is more about cooling down, the sun is still powerful. If the weather is still warm, be sure to follow these fall sun safety tips:

• Sunscreen: Keep using your sunscreen every day, paying special attention to exposed areas like the face and the back of hands. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours.
• Layering: Dress in layers in order to protect your skin from the sun and elements. Choose loosely woven, lightweight, breathable fabrics that are easy to take off, or put on layers according to your body temperature change during the day .
• Outdoor Activities: Spend some time under the shade while outdoors, like on a hike in the woods or during apple-picking. It is suggested to carry along a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and try to keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking abundant water.

Winter

Don't let the cold fool you—winter sun can be just as damaging to your skin. Snow reflects UV rays, increasing sun exposure. Here are some tips:

• Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen on all of your exposed skin, including your face, neck, and hands. Reapply it every 2 hours if you are to stay long in the outdoors.
• Moisturizer: A moisturizer, including SPF, will protect your skin against both ultraviolet rays and the dry conditions brought by winter. Look for ingredients that contain moisturizing features, for example, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which lock in moisture.
• Protective Gear: A hat, scarf, and gloves. Go for wool or fleece; these will give great warmth whilst fully protecting the skin from the elements. You might also consider wearing sunglasses that block UV to take some weight off your eyes against harmful rays that can make you squint, which is responsible for the fine lines in the around eye area.

Spring

As the days of spring grow longer and the weather gets warmer, it is a great time to get back outdoors. Unfortunately, it also increases your exposure to UV rays. Here are a few helpful tips to keep you protected:

• Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Apply it abundantly onto all exposed skin 30 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply every two hours, or more often if in water or sweating.
• Clothes: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats to help block the sun's rays on your skin. For the best protection, consider lightweight fabrics with a tight weave. Or look for sun-protective clothing that may help to reflect and block UV rays.
• Sunglasses: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses that cover your eyes from all sides. Consider sunglasses that block 100% of the UVA and UVB rays and also wrap around your face to cover your eyes from the side.

Year-Round Sun Safety Practices

Sun safety is for all seasons. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade! Be sure to practice these tips during Sun Safety Month, as well as throughout the coming months. Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

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