While the sun always poses a level of danger, its rays are at their strongest during the long, hot summer months. Exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn, freckling, skin damage, wrinkles and even melanoma, which is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to protect your skin from these damages. Just follow these tips!

• Apply a generous amount of sunscreen when planning to spend time outdoors, even if it’s cloudy. Don’t forget the tops of your feet, ears and the back of your neck. Use a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

• Reapply sunscreen every one to two hours when outside. Swimming or sweating will affect sunscreen’s ability to protect your skin, even if it’s waterproof, so reapply more often under these conditions.

• Use lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 during the day.

• Wear sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent UV absorption to protect your eyes from long-term sun damage that could cause cataracts later on down the road.

• For even more protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and long pants with long sleeves. Dark, tightly-woven fabrics block out UV rays more effectively than white, loosely-woven fabrics.

• Limit sun exposure during the hours when the sun’s rays are the most intense, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.

• Babies should be kept out of the sun or completely shaded while outdoors. Sunburns at such a young age could lead to skin cancer later on. Use a blanket or parasol to protect carriages.

Taking care of your skin is a great way to improve your overall health and wellness. For more information, ask your family doctor for tips and advice tailored to your unique needs.

Your health is our business.

Call Slyman Insurance Group at (614) 475-3583 for more information on Columbus, OH health insurance.