Spending time outside offers tons of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re planting a new patch of flowers in your garden or going hiking or camping, spending time outdoors can lead to multiple mental and physical health benefits. However, although devoting some time outside lets you enjoy the fresh air and benefits of a vitamin D boost, you may also be exposed to sun damage. Even a regular daytime activity like mowing your lawn can lead to sunburn or even heat stroke after long hours in the garden without proper protection.
Heading outside allows you to explore your surroundings, but doing so doesn’t have to compromise your health. Packing sun essentials can help you enjoy your time outdoors without experiencing painful sun damage. Here’s why sun protection is more crucial than ever:
Dangers of sun exposure
Overexposure to the sun can lead to major health concerns for the skin and eyes, according to the World Health Organization. Recreational activities like camping, hiking, and gardening can expose your skin and eyes to the sun, increasing your risks of incurring short-term problems like sunburn and photokeratitis, as well as major health concerns. In fact, the WHO reported that popular outdoor activities are strongly related to the rising cases of skin cancers worldwide. The Canadian Association of Optometrists also mentioned that too much UV exposure can lead to long-term eye health problems such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. This makes sun protection all the more important during outdoor activities.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe outdoors:
Outdoor sun protection tips
Don’t forget your sunglasses
Sunnies are the perfect companion for blocking harmful UV rays from penetrating the eyes. When picking the perfect pair, be sure to check if the label says 100% UV protection for guaranteed safety from sun damage. Clearly offers regular and prescription sunglasses to help your eyes stay protected from the sun without compromising vision correction. It also has eco-friendly options like the Derek Cardigan and Ray-Ban Wayfarer Bio-based, which are both made from sustainable bio-acetate materials. Sporting a pair of sunglasses allows you to enjoy your time outside without the risk of vision damage, so make sure you have a pair on you at all times.
Apply sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is equally important during outdoor activities like trekking, especially when the sun is at its peak and your risk of sunburn is increased. Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for guaranteed sun protection. You can try Glowy Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen, which features chemical filters that scatter and absorb damaging UV light. Its formula is non-greasy and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like octinoxate and oxybenzone, making it the perfect marine life-friendly option if you’re planning to go swimming. Make sure to reapply it every two hours when you’re outside!
Put on sun-protective clothing
Sun-protective clothing is crucial for maximum sun coverage outside, even during simple activities such as gardening. This type of clothing is made of lightweight fabrics that block harmful sunlight from damaging the skin. MorrisonRowe offers sun-protective clothing with UPF 50, which means that it can block over 98% of UV rays. You can also check out Cutter & Buck’s UV-protective clothing which also has a UPF 50 and is made from an eco-friendly production process. Wearing protective clothing allows for a worry-free outdoor experience, and can be especially helpful if you’re planning on spending long hours outside.
Spending time outdoors can increase your chances of developing eye and skin problems, which can compromise your health. Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable experience in the sun.