Protecting yourself from the sun’s heat and UV rays is important all year long. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
- Seek out shade. Protecting yourself from the sun doesn’t mean you can never go outside. Use a sun shade or umbrella at the beach or pool, and stick to shady porches if you’re enjoying an afternoon outside at home or having an al fresco lunch.
- Stay indoors at the hottest hours. The sun is most intense during the middle of the day. Keep your outdoor activities to the early morning or evening, when the weather is cooler.
- Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine. Even a short walk to and from the car, or passing by sunny windows while indoors can expose your skin to dangerous UV rays.
- Wear protective clothing. Loose, lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts are ideal sun protection for older adults because they don’t have to be reapplied like sunscreen, and can offer better protection. Make sure they have a tight weave so sun can’t sneak through. Top them off with a wide-brimmed hat. If you plan to spend time outdoors, look for clothing specially designed to offer UV protection. Also look for UV-blocking sunglasses, window shades and car window tints.
- Use moisturizer. As skin ages, it becomes more prone to dryness, which can be made worse by sun damage. Keep skin moist with a lotion or cream to help protect it.
