When Has Your Skin Had Enough Sun?

How quickly time flies when you’re hanging out in the sun. Whether your Summer is filled with lazy days or jam packed with outdoor activities, it’s pretty certain that you will be getting a lot of sun – which means the proper protection and forethought is essential.

By the time you’re poking your skin wondering if your skin is burned…it is. I am sure you remember being a kid, testing your arm against your friend’s arm to see how long it took for the spot where your finger was to turn back to the same color as the rest of your skin.

Image: Newscom

You could get something like the UVSunSense Wristbands to monitor your sun exposure in a more scientific way. But besides that, and of course the consistent use of 30+ SPF sunscreen…what else do you need to know to make sure you are doing everything you can to reduce your risk of wrinkles – or worse – later down the road?

Well, there is no easy way to tell that you’re getting close to a burn, without actually burning. But there are several things you can keep in mind which will increase your chances of making it home from a day outside without an emergency pitstop at the drugstore for an extra large bottle of aloe lotion.

First, stop it with the lounging out on a beach towel at high noon. Depending on how fair your skin is, it can be a matter of minutes before you’ve already laid the foundations for a bright red sunburn. If you insist on tanning, go before 10am or after 3pm, when the sun is far less strong.

If it is a cloudy day, don’t think that’s an excuse for laying out all day. Clouds aren’t protecting you from the blazing hot sun that’s hiding behind it. Without the constant squinting and beads of sweat to remind you that it’s been a few hours already, it’s fair to say this is one of the most common causes for why people overestimate how much time they should be out in the sun.

Even if you are just hanging around, reapply your sunscreen every two hours. You don’t need to work up a sweat or jump in the water for sunscreen to wear off. If you truly want to do everything you can to keep from getting burned, it’s important to stick to this frequent schedule of reapplication.

But if you do decide to go in the water…beware of the reflection seriously amplifying the impact of the sun on your skin. Just like the clouds, the cool water can be deceiving when it comes to how much exposure your skin can tolerate. Make sure that sunscreen in your bag is waterproof and once again – don’t forget frequent reapplication.

So, how can you know when your skin has had enough? By erring on the safe side, following all the necessary precautions outlined above, and constantly keeping an eye on the clock and how your skin is feeling. A sunburn doesn’t have to be inevitable – it just takes a bit of work and the strength of mind when to know it’s time to call it a day and get back in the shade.

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