The days are getting warmer. The sun is shining longer. And we’re getting outside to enjoy it all. While soaking up the rays has benefits like boosting vitamin D, spending too much time in the sun can cause sunburns, premature aging, dehydration and increase your risk of skin cancer. Just 15 minutes of ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin. But you can help protect your skin by following these tips:
- Apply and reapply! Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply sunscreen if you’re in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off. And don’t forget to check the expiration date.
- Cover up! Shield yourself from UV rays which can cause aging and lasting damage to skin (UVA) and sunburns (UVB). Combat both by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing a hat and sunglasses.
- Seek shade! Be sure to take a break from those beautiful rays by heading for the shade of an umbrella or tree. But don’t forget to apply sunscreen and cover up even in the shade.
- Hydrate! Staying hydrated is an important part of sun safety. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body can’t properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, it might not be enough. To help protect yourself, avoid being outside in very high temperatures, take breaks and drink water. In addition to sipping H2O, there are plenty of fruits and vegetables like watermelon, strawberries and cucumbers with a high-water content to help you stay hydrated.
- Know your ABCs! While skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, it’s also treatable, especially if you know the warning signs and catch it early. Ask yourself the alphabet questions to perform a quick self-check.
- Do you have any moles or freckles that look Asymmetrical?
- Is the Border of any spot irregular or jagged?
- Has the Color changed?
- Is it getting bigger in Diameter?
- Has it Evolved or changed over time? If you answered yes to any of these, see your doctor so they can monitor it.
Sources: cancer.org, cdc.gov, health.harvard.edu, healthline.com, moffitt.org
Looking for tasty hydration options to help you beat the heat? Boasting a 92% water content, watermelon makes for a great hydrating snack on those hot summer days. Stop by your local Publix to grab one of our At Season’s Peak seedless watermelons. You can eat them on their own or browse Aprons Recipes with watermelon.
