Don't let the Arizona sun catch you unprotected this summer. We need the warming rays from the sun to help our bodies make vitamin D, which leads to better calcium absorption and healthier skin and stronger bones. Although we need the sun, it's important to be sun-safe. Being sun-safe means limiting your exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can result in skin and/or eye damage. Here are some great tips to avoid sun damage this summer!

Sun Safety Tips for Summer

1. Cover up by wearing lightweight, white-colored clothing that will reflect much of the sun's dangerous wavelengths away. Also, wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light should be standard wear for long hours outdoors.

2. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to maximize your sun protection. You should apply sunscreen generously and apply it again every two hours that you are in the sun. If you are swimming or when you are sweating profusely, your sunscreen should be reapplied after drying off. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sunscreens with SPFs greater than 50 provide only a small increase in UV protection.”

3. If possible, avoid the peak hours of sun, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. With a bit of careful scheduling, you can plan your length of time outside to be first thing in the morning or during the twilight hours of early evening. An added benefit is that both these times of day are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities in Flagstaff, AZ.

4. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, as no tan is worth the increased risk that these products add to the chances of developing skin cancer. Other cumulative damage may include premature skin aging and lax skin, which translates to increased wrinkles later in life.

For your next apartment home in Flagstaff, Arizona, contact Butterfield Apartments, which feature beautiful landscaping, concierge services, and a pet-friendly living environment.