July 12, 2019
There’s nothing better than the warm sun hitting your skin as you enjoy the great outdoors. It’s the middle of summer, which means you’ll most likely be spending more time outside. From afternoon hikes to picnics on the beach there’s so much to get excited for. But in the throes of summer joy, it’s easy to forget to protect your skin from the sun.
Did you know that you experience the most UV exposure from the sun once you’re over 60? In fact, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the chances of developing skin cancer increase as you naturally age. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all that summer has to offer. With the right knowledge, you can learn how to protect your skin from the sun. Below, you’ll learn about sun safety for seniors that you can work into your daily routine with ease.
We know this seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t use sunscreen. UV rays are always there in the summer. Whether you’re taking a short walk or spending a day at the beach you should always have sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you wear SPF 30 on any exposed skin.
An easy tip is to put a travel size bottle of sunscreen in your purse or pocket before you go outside. It will help you build the habit of protecting your skin from the sun.
Wondering how to protect your skin from the sun? Your wardrobe might offer the answer. Wearing breathable long-sleeve shirts and pants can protect you from UV rays with less maintenance than sunscreen. You can even look for clothes that are specially designed for UV protection. Unlike some of the other tips, picking out clothes can turn into a fun activity to share with your family and friends.
When picking out clothes it’s important to remember to look for something with a tight weave. That way, you won’t have to worry about the sun sneaking through.
It may come as a surprise, but sun safety for seniors includes moisturizing. As your skin naturally ages, it becomes more susceptible to dryness. Having dry skin not only makes you more prone to sunburns, but sun damage can cause the dryness to escalate. Like we mentioned with sunscreen above, get in the habit of moisturizing your skin.
As an older adult, you need to protect your skin from the sun. And the great thing about moisturizing is that it can help even if you’re indoors.
It can be hard to set schedule during the care-free summer months. But you can actually help your skin stay healthy by scheduling your outdoor activity around the sun. What that means is minimizing your time outside when the UV rays are at their highest intensity. Between 12pm and 4pm the midday sun is at its most dangerous for your skin.
An easy trick you can use is to look at your shadow. When your shadow is long, it means the UV exposure is low and it’s better for your skin to be outside. If your shadow is shorter than you, UV rays are high, and you might want to head inside.
Just like the summer months, Franciscan Ministries is all about celebrating the little things. It’s a community where each day is filled with new possibilities and meaningful connections.
Come see everything that makes Franciscan Ministries such a vibrant community. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule a tour today.
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