As the temperatures gradually increase, it’s natural for most if not all of us to want to spend some time outdoors. Whether it’s going to the beach, hanging out with friends, swimming, or just simply enjoying the weather, summer activities can be fun and extremely beneficial for our mental health and overall health. However, while the sun has its advantages, many people tend to overlook the dangers that come with being outside for an excessive amount of time. One of the biggest dangers is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can seriously harm your skin and overall health if you do not protect yourself properly.

Many people underestimate the importance of sunscreen. Some avoid wearing it because they think they do not need it, while others simply forget about it. Failing to protect your skin can lead to long-term damage to your skin. It doesn’t matter if you’re outside for 10 minutes or 10 hours: your skin is still being exposed to UV rays. Even in the winter or on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate your skin. That is why sun protection should be part of your everyday routine and not just something you use on your beach days.

But what are UV rays? Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is an invisible energy that is emitted from the sun and also tanning beds. These radiation waves can cause sunburn, premature aging, eye damage, and skin cancer. The two main types of UV rays are called UVA and UVB. UVA rays can penetrate your skin deeply, cause premature aging/wrinkles, and contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays are the ones that give you sunburn and severely damage your skin DNA which also leads to you developing…you guessed it: skin cancer.

In addition to damaging the skin, UV rays can also harm your eyes. Too much sun exposure may increase the risk of cataracts, which causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy and blurry. This is why sunglasses with UV protection are important. Protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin.

So, what can you do to stay safe in the sun? The answer is so incredibly simple: use proper sun protection. Wearing sunscreen daily is one of the best ways to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Dermatologists generally recommend using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 because it blocks about 97% of UVB rays. One sunscreen that is commonly recommended is the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70 because it provides protection from both UVA and UVB. The ingredients contain chemicals such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene which all protect you from UVA and UVB rays.

However, sunscreen only works if you use it the correct way. Many people apply sunscreen once and assume they are protected for the entire day, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or drying yourself off with a towel. It is also important to apply around 15 minutes before sun exposure so it has enough time to absorb into the skin.

Another common misconception is the idea of a “healthy tan.” There is no such thing as a “healthy tan.” A tan is the body’s reaction to injury and its attempting to protect itself from further damage by producing more pigment. While tanning may be considered fashionable or even “cool” by some people, the long term effects of tanning will never truly be worth it in the long run. Do you really want to deal with premature aging?

Overall, sun safety is something everyone should take seriously. Spending time outdoors can be enjoyable and healthy, but only if you protect yourself properly. Wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and clothing can significantly reduce the harmful effects of UV rays. By taking small precautions here and there, you can save yourself in the long run. The sun may feel good now, but how good is it going to be a few years from now when you have irreparable damage?