May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so ARD Outdoor and TUCCI are sharing ways to stay healthy and protect your eyes and skin while soaking in the sun. Whether you prefer the beach, pool, patio or dock, use these simple tips and share with a friend.
Stay Hydrated
Your skin needs ample moisture inside and out on hot days. Drink chilled water and electrolyte-filled beverages such as coconut water throughout the day to feel your best. When it comes to snack time, choose moisture-dense fresh watermelon, fruit smoothies, and leafy green salads.
Wear a Hat
From stylish baby bonnets, to kids caps, to trendy wide-brim floppy hats, there are plenty of options for keeping direct sun rays at bay. Avid swimmers can use swim caps that coordinate with their swimwear to avoid too much sun on their scalps.
Use Eye Protection
Start with sunglasses that block harmful UV rays. Swimmers can transition to tinted swim goggles during their time in the water. Goggles help cut down on direct sun reflections that could damage your eyes and exposure to irritating salty ocean water or chlorinated pool water.
Pick Appropriate Sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Rub about a teaspoon of sunscreen formulated for delicate facial skin onto your neck and face, and a few tablespoons of body sunscreen over all exposed skin below your neck. Apply more sunscreen each time you towel off, perspired a lot, and when you get out of the water.
Cover Your Skin
If you’re soaking in the sun from a lounge chair or hammock, opt for a sundress or long loose pants and a top with sleeves. Lightweight linens keep you comfortable and minimize direct sun exposure. Small children can wear sleeved swimsuits and surfer’s rash guard swimwear.
Try SPF Makeup
Not swimming? If you’re staying dry for the day and wear foundation, lipstick or eyeshadow, choose formulas infused with SPF. This adds an extra layer of protection to your delicate facial skin atop the sunscreen.
Use an Umbrella
When picking the perfect spot outdoors, choose an area with an umbrella. It provides a cool shady hang-out between activities and serves as home base for kids. At ARD Outdoor, we provide shade solutions using Sunbrella Fabric as they’re recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation providing a min 30 SPF/UPF rating and 50+ SPF/UPF for awnings and Marine grade fabric.
No one wants their summer ruined with burned skin or irritated eyes. With a little planning you can enjoy the sun (and healthy skin) all summer long!
To learn more about Skin Cancer Facts click here https://www.skincancer.org/