As Spring approaches and the weather becomes warm again, summer feels like it is in arm’s reach. Everyone wants to get their tan in preparation for summer, and it is so tempting with the sunny skies we have in Los Angeles. However, to stay safe and protect ourselves from skin cancer, we have to take some precautions when spending time outside. UV rays damage skin cells and can lead to skin cancer. It can also damage the immune system and cause one’s skin to age faster. Here are some tips on how you can get your daily dose of sunlight while remaining safe:
- Wear sunscreen
Buy a lightweight sunscreen you can wear daily. You can also buy a moisturizer that has SPF built into it, so you don’t have to worry about applying more product. Keep in mind that you should wear sunscreen every day, even if you are not planning to spend any time outside or if it does not look sunny outside. UV rays can pass through car windows among other places, so it is important to protect your skin even if you are not directly in the sun.
2. Limit Sun Exposure
5-15 minutes is the ideal amount of time to spend outside without any damage. The sun is high in Vitamin D, aiding your health, but any longer than 15 minutes spent in the sun and you risk damaging your skin.
3. Take a walk or eat lunch outside
Doing your daily exercise outside is a great way to get some sun without sitting directly under the sun. You can go for a walk or a run and make sure to wear sunscreen. You can also have a snack outside to get your daily sunlight.
4. Go outside in the mornings
Adding 10 minutes of sun to your morning routine can be a good way to start your day. You can go outside and get 10 minutes of sun in the morning before looking at your phone. This is a way to get fresh air and some vitamin D before your busy day begins.
I hope you learned some simple tips on how to stay safe and healthy in the sun! Always remember to apply sunscreen to have fun participating in your outdoor activities!