Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin Outdoors

As you start enjoying the hotter temperatures, it is essential that you not forget about 
protecting your skin. Even if you get tan and don’t burn easily, you still need to protect 
your skin from the sun’s UV rays.

Find the Shade

Naturally, one of the best things you can do when you are going to spend extended time 
outdoors is to find some areas with shade. The shade won’t protect you 100%, but the 
more you block your skin from the sun’s UV rays, the better off you will be. A good 
indication is when you start to feel cooler, as that usually means you have enough 
shade coverage to reduce the rays a little bit. Even if you intend to be in the shade, you 
should still wear sunscreen while outdoors, so keep that in mind. If you are going to be 
laying out at the beach, consider an umbrella to block the sun as much as possible.

Wear Light, Loose Clothing

Covering up your skin is another way you can protect your skin from the hot summer 
sun. Wearing layers is usually a good idea, as it covers you up when needed, but allows 
you to remove sweaters when it gets too hot. Try to wear loose-fitting clothing made of 
cotton or other breathable materials. That way, while most of your skin is covered up, 
you don’t feel too hot and uncomfortable while you are outdoors. Wearing long sleeves 
and pants is also important while hiking or camping, as it reduces bug bites and helps to 
prevent cuts or scrapes from branches.

Make Natural Sunscreen

There is some controversy about natural sunscreen, but it can work in some situations. 
If you have sensitive or fair skin, you should still wear a high enough SPF or talk to your 
doctor before using a natural remedy. However, if you don’t burn easily or you are only 
spending a short amount of time outside, a natural sunscreen can work good for you. 
There are natural ingredients that do have some SPF protection in them, you just need 
to make sure you calculate it properly. For example, shea butter has about 4 SPF and 
zinc oxide can have up to 20 SPF. Some other good options are carrot seed oil, almond 
oil, coconut oil, and red raspberry seed oil. When making the natural sunscreen, keep 
re-applying it, as it won’t be sweat-proof or waterproof.

