As summer rapidly approaches, it’s time to break out your flip-flops and start soaking up that sweet, sweet sunshine. Unfortunately, your backyard pool isn’t the only thing you need to worry about when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. As soon as you step outside, your skin absorbs ultraviolet light (UV), which can lead to a variety of icky issues. The most common is called photoaging. It causes wrinkles and darkening of the skin—so much so that people can see it as crow’s feet around their eyes. But there’s a lot more than just wrinkles at stake here. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) harms the DNA in our cells, which is bad news for our overall health.

What is photoaging?

Photoaging is the process by which UV light causes damage to the skin’s DNA and causes hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Because the DNA in our skin cells is responsible for the production of collagen, a protein that keeps skin elastic and young, UV damage is what causes wrinkles and wrinkles, and it’s also what causes the skin to look brown, like weathered leather. Additionally, DVRs can cause inflammation, which can lead to acne, as well as an abnormal growth of the sebaceous glands in our skin, which leads to oily skin.

How does UV damage our skin?

UVR molecules are small, consisting of just two atoms. The energy the molecules contain is enough to break the bonds between the two atoms in DNA, causing mutations that can cause cancer and genetic diseases. Although the majority of our cells are protected in the epidermis, deeper in the skin, our cells are more vulnerable to damage. One of the key things to remember when it comes to UVR damage is that every one of us is unique. While the majority of damage occurs as we age, any given person is at risk of photoaging at any given point in time. Therefore, everyone must take steps to protect themselves from the risks posed by DVRs.

How to protect yourself from UV

– Make sure to cover up – When it comes to the skin, less is more. While it’s great to be outside and soak up some vitamin D, be mindful of exposing your skin to UV rays by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and sunglasses with a dark frame. If you need to be out and about while protecting yourself from the sun, make sure to cover up when you do so. – Stay hydrated – Staying adequately hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated and reduce the risk of wrinkles. It also helps keep your skin plump and less wrinkly, so it’s a double win. – Use sunscreen – Nothing is better than being outside and being safe from the risks posed by DVRs.

Strategies for keeping your water safe from UV damage

– Use a UV-protective filter – The easiest way to keep your water safe from the dangers of UV damage is to use a UV-protective filter. These are lightweight, inexpensive, and easily portable, and they don’t affect the taste or clarity of the water. To determine which filter is right for you, take into account how often you’ll be using your water source and how much you use it each time. For example, if you use your water source once a day, you’ll need a filter that can remove at least that much. – Change the water more frequently – If you’re going to use a filter, the best way to make sure your water is safe from the risks posed by UV damage is to change the water more frequently. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially when you have a small or limited sink, but it’s well worth it.

Help for when you accidentally get in the water with your shoes on

– Apply sunscreen liberally – While you might not want to think about it while you’re in the water, don’t forget to keep your skin covered while you’re out in the sun. You may want to apply sunscreen liberally while you’re out and about, even if you don’t plan on going into the water. – Remove your shoes – While you might not want to think about it while you’re in the water, don’t forget to keep your skin covered while you’re out in the sun. You may want to apply sunscreen liberally while you’re out and about, even if you don’t plan on going into the water.

Conclusion

Summertime is finally here, but that doesn’t mean your skin has to get soaked. Make sure to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with sunscreen, cover up when you’re outside, and stay hydrated. And, if you do accidentally get in the water with your shoes on, don’t panic—you can still enjoy your time outdoors.