Spring is just around the corner and that means spending more time outdoors. The warmth of the sun's rays feels good on your skin, especially after experiencing the freezing temperatures of winter. Be that as it may, spending too much time outdoors can have some adverse effects. That's why it's important to get all the facts before you start enjoying yourself outside. Below are some important facts about sun exposure and ways to protect yourself. 

Ultraviolet Rays

The sun exudes rays of light known as ultraviolet rays. These rays are divided into three categories including UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA are the most common rays, however, UVB and UVC rays are more intense and bad for you. While the ozone layer protects humans from UVC ray exposure, you must still protect yourself against other UV rays.  

UV rays immediately touch the outer layer of skin known as the epidermis, but can quickly reach the inner layer called the dermis where nerves and blood vessels are housed. The skin has a pigment known as melanin which naturally helps to protect the skin. That's why when your skin is exposed to the sun it gets darker. Staying in the sun too long, however, allows the UV rays to penetrate the inner layer of skin causing sunburn. When the skin burns the cells begin to get damaged, die off, or turn to cancer.

Sun Exposure Benefits

Though too much exposure to the sun can be bad for your health, not getting any sunlight at all can be just as bad. There are essential benefits to spending time in the sun. When the sun touches the outer layer of your skin, it aids in the natural process of developing vitamin D. As you may or may not know, vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium which is ideal for healthy bone and muscle development. Regular sun exposure is also said to help boost your mood. 

How Much is Too Much?

If too much time in the sun is bad for your health, how do you know when it's time to seek shelter? There are a few factors that need to be considered to determine this. For starters, the position of the sun. The higher the sun is in the sky the more intense the UVB rays are. For instance, the sun is higher in the sky in the afternoon than in the morning. Another factor is your geographical location, those that live closer to the equator are exposed to more intense UV ray exposure. 

The UV ray index is also a factor. This is a record of the intensity of UVB radiation in a particular area. The higher the radiation levels, the more extreme the radiation is. Last but not least is your skin type. Those who have a darker complexion have more melanin which protects their skin from damage, however, those with fairer or sensitive skin, the damage happens faster. Too much exposure for those with the fairest skin is ten minutes while those with the darkest skin type have up to an hour. 

Protecting Yourself From the Sun

You can extend your time in the sun and reduce your risk of sunburn or skin cancer by protecting yourself from the sun's UV rays. Here are some quick tips listed below:

  • Wear Sunscreen - One of the best lines of defense from sun exposure is sunscreen. These are topical solutions that are designed to protect the outer layer of skin from the sun. The FDA recently made regulation changes for sunscreen products to make them safer and more effective for consumers. The regulations require detailed information on the safeness of ingredients used in most sunscreen products. The rule also implemented new requirements for sun factor protection (SPF) and broad-spectrum sunscreen. The FDA also mandated that bug guard and sunscreen combinations are not safe or effective for consumers. So, be sure to check for these changes when purchasing your sunscreen protection.

  • Seek Shelter - Find some shade when participating in activities outdoors. Maybe you're at a community fair or surfing contest enjoying yourself with family and friends. Seek shelter from the sun for a few minutes by retreating to a 10 x 10 tent or canopy that vendors often use for branding. They provide you with some shade so the sun's UV rays aren't directly on your skin for too long. 

  • Wear a Hat and Sunglasses - Last but not least, wear some sunglasses and a hat. They both help to provide instant shade for your eyes and face. These should especially be worn when you're going to be outside for several hours.

The sun feels good and can be great for you. Be that as it may, too much time in the sun can have an adverse effect on your health. Fortunately, there are effective solutions such as wearing sunscreen, seeking shelter, and wearing protective gear such as sunglasses and hats, to protect yourself against sunburn, skin cell damage, and cancer while also allowing you to extend your time outdoors in the sun to enjoy activities you love.