Summer is almost here, and that means the weather is heating up. AccuWeather is already forecasting that summer 2022 could be one of the hottest summers ever for many. With that in mind, it's important to be prepared with plenty of sunscreen and sun protection.
This year the heat is projected to reach a feverish 135 degrees. That will present several risk factors including sunburns, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health risks.
Here are some statistics to keep in mind:
- The average person can sunburn in as little as 15 minutes.
- More than 1 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.
- Up to 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun.
6 Ways Sunscreen and Sun Protection Can Save You This Summer
1. Sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer and premature aging
You might think that sun exposure just causes sunburns, but there's a lot more involved than that. Without proper protection, your skin can get cellular damage from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. This can lead to wrinkles, brown spots, and even skin cancer (which is one of the most common cancers in the world). These are all things you want to avoid this summer, and it's as simple as having proper sun protection practices.
2. Sunscreen can help prevent sunburns
If you have fair skin, it can take as little as 15 minutes to burn and if you have darker skin, it can take longer. When you burn your skin, many people assume it's just a temporary thing. After the initial shock and redness wears off, however, the damage is still there--directly under the skin. Sunburns can significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Wearing a physical sunscreen is highly effective at preventing sunburn by reflecting and scattering harmful UV rays.
3. Sunscreen can help you avoid sun poisoning
Sun poisoning is a serious condition that can occur after just a few minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Symptoms of sun poisoning include fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. The skin is also commonly affected with a skin rash appearing as blisters or hives. Thankfully, the proper use of SPF can protect you and your delicate skin. Always seek medical attention if you suspect you are suffering from sun poisoning.
4. Avoiding heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Heatstroke, also known as sunstroke, is the most serious heat-related illness. This extremely serious when your body temperature rises to 104 degrees or higher. Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, seizures, and coma. Sunscreen and sun protection such as hats and lightweight but full coverage clothing can aid in preventing these serious conditions.
6. Sunscreen can help improve the appearance of your skin
In addition to preventing sun damage, sunscreen can also help improve the overall appearance of your skin. Wearing sunscreen can help you achieve a more even skin tone. Furthermore, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And, if that weren't enough, using zinc oxide sunscreen specifically, can actually treat acne!
While sun exposure is vital for preventing some chronic diseases, it is also our biggest enemy if you are not properly protected. With summer forecast 2022 to bring the most severe heatwave in history, many of us will be looking for ways to beat the heat. While sunscreen is a vital part of our daily routine, it's also important to dress accordingly, drink plenty of water, and maintain a healthy diet.
