As you start enjoying the hotter temperatures, it is essential that you not forget about protecting your skin. Even if you get tan and don’t burn easily, you still need to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Find the Shade
Naturally, one of the best things you can do when you are going to spend extended time outdoors is to find some areas with shade. The shade won’t protect you 100%, but the more you block your skin from the sun’s UV rays, the better off you will be. A good indication is when you start to feel cooler, as that usually means you have enough shade coverage to reduce the rays a little bit. Even if you intend to be in the shade, you should still wear sunscreen while outdoors, so keep that in mind. If you are going to be laying out at the beach, consider an umbrella to block the sun as much as possible.
Wear Light, Loose Clothing
Covering up your skin is another way you can protect your skin from the hot summer sun. Wearing layers is usually a good idea, as it covers you up when needed, but allows you to remove sweaters when it gets too hot. Try to wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or other breathable materials. That way, while most of your skin is covered up, you don’t feel too hot and uncomfortable while you are outdoors. Wearing long sleeves and pants is also important while hiking or camping, as it reduces bug bites and helps to prevent cuts or scrapes from branches.
Make Natural Sunscreen
There is some controversy about natural sunscreen, but it can work in some situations. If you have sensitive or fair skin, you should still wear a high enough SPF or talk to your doctor before using a natural remedy. However, if you don’t burn easily or you are only spending a short amount of time outside, a natural sunscreen can work good for you. There are natural ingredients that do have some SPF protection in them, you just need to make sure you calculate it properly. For example, shea butter has about 4 SPF and zinc oxide can have up to 20 SPF. Some other good options are carrot seed oil, almond oil, coconut oil, and red raspberry seed oil. When making the natural sunscreen, keep re-applying it, as it won´t be sweat-proof or waterproof.