Sun Safety: Protecting Your Skin this Summer

Summer brings sunny days perfect for outdoor activities, but it also increases the risk of sun damage to your skin. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. It’s also important to protect your children from the effects of the sun and prevent sun damage and sunburn in your child. Your family medicine doctors at Primary Care Partners in Northern and Central New Jersey can explain sun safety and how to protect your family from the sun. 

Practicing Sun Safety 

While going outside is an exciting part of summer, it can be harmful to your skin. You might deal with sunburn and eventually sun damage or other complications. It’s important to practice sun safety so that your skin is safe from the effects of the sun. 

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is your first line of defense against UV radiation. Apply it generously to all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. Clothing can provide a physical barrier against UV rays. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to shield your skin. 

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these peak hours, seek shade whenever possible. Use umbrellas, canopies, or trees to provide cover and reduce direct exposure to sunlight. Spending time in the sun can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin and body hydrated. 

Protect your eyes from UV damage by wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. This helps prevent cataracts and other eye conditions caused by prolonged sun exposure. 

Ensure that all family members, especially children, understand the importance of sun safety. Teach them to apply sunscreen properly and to wear protective gear when outside. 

Contact Our Family Medicine Doctor Today 

Make sure you know how to protect your skin from the sun. Contact your family medicine doctors at Primary Care Partners in Northern and Central New Jersey to learn more about sun safety.

Summer brings sunny days perfect for outdoor activities, but it also increases the risk of sun damage to your skin. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. It’s also important to protect your children from the effects of the sun and prevent sun damage and sunburn in your child. Your family medicine doctors at Primary Care Partners in Northern and Central New Jersey can explain sun safety and how to protect your family from the sun. 

Practicing Sun Safety 

While going outside is an exciting part of summer, it can be harmful to your skin. You might deal with sunburn and eventually sun damage or other complications. It’s important to practice sun safety so that your skin is safe from the effects of the sun. 

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is your first line of defense against UV radiation. Apply it generously to all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. Clothing can provide a physical barrier against UV rays. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to shield your skin. 

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these peak hours, seek shade whenever possible. Use umbrellas, canopies, or trees to provide cover and reduce direct exposure to sunlight. Spending time in the sun can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin and body hydrated. 

Protect your eyes from UV damage by wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. This helps prevent cataracts and other eye conditions caused by prolonged sun exposure. 

Ensure that all family members, especially children, understand the importance of sun safety. Teach them to apply sunscreen properly and to wear protective gear when outside. 

Contact Our Family Medicine Doctor Today 

Make sure you know how to protect your skin from the sun. Contact your family medicine doctors at Primary Care Partners in Northern and Central New Jersey to learn more about sun safety.