6 Tips To Avoid a Sunburn This Summer

Summer is here!  For many people this means days at the beach, swimming, playing sports outdoors, gardening, and fun in the sun.  The painful side effect to all that fun...yep, you guessed it...Sunburns!  Sunburns can be painful, causing discomfort, tenderness, and even blistering. Severe sunburns can also lead to more serious symptoms like fever, chills, and nausea. Milkweed Balm can help relieve the pain while helping restore moisture to the burned and tender skin. 
Be smart in the sun and utilize these six tips to better protect yourself.
  1. Stay out of the sun from 10 am to 4 pm: This is when the sun's UV rays are strongest. By avoiding direct sun exposure during these hours, you can reduce your risk of sunburn and other skin damage.

  2. Wear a hat with a wide brim: Wearing a hat with a wide brim provides shade for your face, neck, and shoulders, which are areas that are often exposed to the sun. It helps protect your skin from direct sunlight and reduces the risk of sunburn and sun damage.

  3. Wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun: Choose clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Look for lightweight, loose-fitting garments made from tightly woven fabrics. Darker colors and tightly woven fabrics offer better sun protection. Some clothing even comes with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates the level of UV protection it provides.

  4. Don't use a tanning bed: Tanning beds emit UV radiation, which can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. It is best to avoid using tanning beds altogether.

  5. Look for shade: When you're outdoors, seek shade whenever possible, especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Shade provides a natural barrier against the sun's harmful rays and helps reduce your exposure.

  6. Use sunscreen even in the shade: Sunscreen is an essential part of sun protection. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, even if you're in the shade. Remember to reapply it every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming.

Following these tips can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays and reduce your risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.