In Texas, you can enjoy reasonably warm weather most times of the year. While you never know when a storm might blow in, you’ll find that you can enjoy being outside most of the time. Spending time outdoors requires taking action to protect your skin from the sun, and these strategies will help you stay sunburn-free.
1- Wear a Cap Outside
Using sun protection can also be a fun way to enhance your style. Ball caps have the perfect brims for shielding your eyes from the sun, and they can double as protection for keeping your hair from blowing in the wind. Whether you like snapbacks or visors, finding the perfect hat to wear on a sunny day makes protecting your skin exciting. You can pair a hat with sunglasses to provide your skin and eyes with a double layer of protection.
2- Apply Sunscreen Regularly
Most people put sunscreen on before they expect to spend hours in the sun. But, you should be wearing sunscreen every day. Look for a sunscreen brand that is 30 SPF or higher, and remember to reapply it as needed. You’ll want to follow the directions for your sunscreen, but this usually involves reapplying every one to two hours.
3- Use Caution During the Sunniest Hours
The sun’s UV rays are their strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. If you have a choice, try to spend more of your time outside in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less likely to burn your skin. Coaches and others who plan special events may also choose to use these hours as a guide for planning outdoor activities to prevent kids from getting overheated.
4- Choose Sun-Protective Clothing
You can also choose clothing that has protective qualities. Many pieces of outdoor wear come with built-in sun protection that includes SPF ratings that are ideal for spending long hours outside. Even if you can’t find SPF clothing, wearing long sleeves and pants can shield your skin from some of the sunlight. Since Texas tends to be hot, try finding lightweight, breathable clothing that you can layer over tees.
5- Find Places to Sit In the Shade
Many outdoor sporting arenas have shaded seating that makes it easier to enjoy watching kids and others play sports. If you plan to spend the day at the waterpark or lake, then you might want to find a day tent or chair with a sunshade that you can attach on top. At home, consider putting up an umbrella to provide your family with shade as you enjoy your outdoor kitchen. Putting a screen between you and the sun further prevents the UV rays from hitting your skin.
It’s important to remember that sun damage isn’t always visible, and many problems slowly develop over time. Try keeping a few caps and sunscreen bottles on hand that you can stash in your car for those times when you rush out the door. You’ll be glad you made sun protection a priority when you avoid sunburns and premature aging.
