The right products and techniques can go a long way toward guarding your skin against the damaging effects of the sun. Reducing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging from overexposure to UV rays requires vigilance and awareness of how much time you spend in direct sunlight daily. 

Fortunately, there are many natural sun protection ways to guard your skin during all seasons so you can enjoy the benefits of being outside while reducing risk factors for dangerous conditions.

• Apply SPF daily

The best way to prevent skin damage from UV rays is to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, particularly if you work outside or spend a lot of time in direct sunlight. This is particularly important for people with fair skin, whose skin is especially susceptible to sun damage.

If you have darker skin, you can still benefit from sunscreen, but you may need a higher SPF number to achieve the same level of protection. Sunscreen can be applied to your entire body, not just your face or exposed areas.

• Wear protective clothing

Clothing is an often overlooked and effective way to shield the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Choose fabrics made from natural materials, such as cotton, that breathe so as not to trap heat and sweat that can lead to irritation, breakouts, and sunburn.

It’s also important to wear a hat that shades your face and scalp. You should also wear UV-blocking sunglasses when out in the sun, particularly if you are near water. Not only can UV rays cause damage to the eyes, but they can also reflect off the water, increasing the risk of eye damage.

• Stay in the shade

If you find yourself outside during peak sunlight hours, seek shade to reduce the UV rays that reach your skin. If you’re in a park or on the beach, find a nearby tree or structure to shield you from direct sunlight. You can also use an umbrella to block UV rays.

If you’re spending time near water, be mindful of the path of the sun as it moves across the sky throughout the day. While the water can reflect UV rays and increase your risk of sun damage, finding shade to redirect the sun’s path may be difficult on a boat or near a shoreline.

Use an umbrella and a hat

In addition to wearing an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun, you should also wear a hat to further reduce UV rays that reach your skin. Make sure that the hat has a wide brim that reaches down to cover your neck and ears, which can otherwise become sunburned.

You should also make sure to apply sun protection sprays to your scalp to prevent sun damage. The skin on your scalp is just as vulnerable to sun damage as the skin on the rest of your body.