Take a Hike!

Take a Hike

BUT DON'T FORGET THE SUN PROTECTION!

Jeffrey Sassmannshausen, MD

One great way to spend time in the summer is getting out in nature. Whether it’s going on a short hike or a camping adventure, you’re bound to get into the sunlight. So, how to protect yourself from the sun? Wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

It’s important to wear your sunscreen when out in the sun. Re-apply every two hours to ensure constant protection. Blue Lizard Sunscreen is a great way to get that UV protection. This SPF 50+ sunscreen is sweat- and water-resistant for 80 minutes, so make sure you reapply a bit more often if the sun or heat are making you sweaty. Blue Lizard comes in a lotion with a bottle that changes color in UV light to alert you to the need for sunscreen. It also comes in a convenient sport stick for easy application; just a swipe over the skin, rub it in, and you’ve got SPF 50+ sun protection. Blue Lizard has also recently launched a spray sunscreen. Unlike other spray sunscreens, which require three layers for full protection, Blue Lizard Spray-On Sunscreen needs only one layer rubbed into the skin to give you SPF 50+ protection. So, whatever sort of adventure you’re on, Blue Lizard Sunscreen has you covered.

Another great sunscreen is the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield. The powder sunscreen is easy to apply alone or over make-up and on the go. It’s a mineral sunscreen, so there are no chemicals to worry about bothering sensitive skin. Two passes of the brush over the face, or whatever area you want to protect, will give you broad-spectrum SPF 50 coverage. Another great thing about the mineral sunscreen: heat won’t damage it, so if you leave the brush in your car or in your camping gear, it’ll still give you UV protection when you pull it back out.

Beyond sunscreens, wearing protective clothing will help keep your skin sunburn-free. A wide-brim hat that covers the head and ears alongside your sunscreen will keep your face and neck protected during the height of the day. Long sleeves and pants go a long way to protect the skin, but on a hot, summer day, they may not seem practical. Dr. Sass recommends Solumbra, a clothing company that makes clothes and accessories that give you protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The clothes are also made with light fabric that will still keep you cool while providing that protection.

So, whether your plans are to go hiking in the woods, hit the beach or spend the day by the pool, be sure to cover up and wear your sunscreen.