How to Protect Yourself from the Sun

If you think slapping on some sunscreen is all you need before venturing out in the sun, all we can say is “Uh-uh!” think again.

In fact, there’s quite a bit more to protecting yourself from harmful UV rays, including these nine steps.

  1. Consider your skincare routine. Certain skincare ingredients like retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, and hydroquinone can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.
  2. Protect your face. Wear a broad-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun’s damaging radiation.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

  1. Skip certain foods. According to U.S. News & World Report, certain foods can also increase your sensitivity to the sun, including lime, celery, dill, figs, parsley, and wild carrots.
  2. Consider your medication. If you take antifungals, oral contraceptives, antihistamines, antibiotics, or antidepressants, take extra precaution as certain ingredients in these medications can prove harmful when mixed with the sun’s rays.
  3. Drive with caution. You don’t have to be outside to get a sunburn. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 50% of skin cancer appears on the left side of the body, the side that is most exposed to the sun’s rays while driving.
  4. Cover completely. When applying sunscreen, it’s easy to forget or ignore certain areas like your feet, ear tips, and sides of the neck. Be sure to apply an ample amount of sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body.
  5. Reapply every two hours. Why? Because no matter how much sunscreen technology improves, sweating and swimming can quickly remove any sunscreen we apply.
  6. Splurge on a new bottle. While sunscreens generally have a three year lifespan, one bottle should barely get you through a season, much less three years if applied generously and often.
  7. Dress for sun success. Not all clothing is created equal. Choose darker colors and tighter weaves for the best protection from UV rays.

You know what else protects you from the sun’s UV rays? Staying indoors behind closed drapes and blinds. It also helps keep you cool when your AC system is working on all cylinders. The key to top AC performance is annual preventive maintenance. So, if it’s been a year or longer since your system was last cleaned and inspected, contact Optimum Air today for the kind of cool, comfortable air we all need.