When you’re living in or visiting a place that is aptly named the Sun Valley, it’s pretty obvious that you’ll be exposed to the sun’s rays on a daily basis. While there are many outdoor activities around Scottsdale to enjoy, you should remember that the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin and even cause skin cancer.

The first step to reducing your risk of skin damage is to consider the time of day. Because the sun’s harmful UV rays are at their strongest when they come from directly overhead, you should avoid going outside between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if possible. Also keep in mind that the UV rays are at their greatest in late spring and early summer in Scottsdale and the rest of the country.

If you are venturing outdoors, you should consider your attire. In an ideal situation, you should cover yourself with long pants and long-sleeved shirts in dark colors. However, with the stifling Arizona heat, this is often not a viable option, especially if you’re heading outside for an extended period of time, or you plan on taking a dip in the pool. In that case, try to cover your skin with at least a T-shirt or a cover-up. In addition to your clothes, reach for a wide-brimmed hat. The perfect hat to protect you from the sunlight is made of a tightly woven, dark material because it offers better protection from UV rays than an average baseball cap. Even with these precautions, the sun still presents a challenge for your eyes because it can contribute to cataract development. You can combat this problem by wearing sunglasses, particularly wraparound types that block harmful rays from streaming inside from the side.

When you are outside, seek shade. Relaxing under the eaves of a building or beneath an umbrella is a better alternative than simply walking in direct sunlight. Not only will the shade provide a cooler spot during the oppressive summer heat, but it can help shield you from skin damaging UV rays. However, you should keep in mind that these rays can reflect off objects like sand and concrete, so taking shelter should be used in conjunction with other protection, like sunscreen.

Sunscreen is one of the best ways to keep skin damage at bay, so you should applied it on all of your exposed skin before taking a trip outside. That goes for overcast or hazy days as well, because the clouds offer no protection from UVA and UVB rays. You should use a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 and be sure to reapply it every two hours – and more frequently if you’re exercising or swimming because the sunscreen will wash off over time. Be sure to apply sunscreen on often forgotten areas of the body including the neck and the tips of the ears. Also, put on lip balm with at least SPF 15 to defend the thin, delicate skin on the lips.

If you’re thinking about skipping out on your sunscreen because a previous product caused an allergic reaction on your skin, reconsider your choice. Sunscreens come in a variety of forms that utilize different chemicals to guard your skin, so you should keep looking until you find a solution meant for sensitive skin. Remember, in the Valley of the Sun, keeping your skin from cooking away on a summer day can be a challenge.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to several notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics. http://www.yelp.com/biz/laser-spine-institute-scottsdale

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: scottsdale, sunburn, skin protection