Don’t Head Outside Without Considering These Skincare Tips
July is one of the hottest months of the year. It’s also a sunny month, a good time to stop and think of the damage UV rays are causing. That’s one of the reasons why July was named UV Safety Awareness Month. Before you head outside with your parents, remember these skincare tips.
Apply Sunscreen Before Going Outside
Your mom and dad are joining you at the beach for a picnic. They’ve just showered, and you plan to leave once they’re dressed. If the beach is a five-minute walk away, you want to apply sunscreen right now. It needs about 15 minutes to absorb into the skin and offer protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen isn’t a once-a-day item. Your parents need to reapply sunscreen every two hours. If they go in the water or sweat profusely, your parents must reapply sunscreen as soon as they dry off.
You Can Still Burn in the Shade
While the shade offers some protection from the sun, it doesn’t block the UV rays that reflect off leaves, the ground, and other items in the area. You still need to consider sun safety when you’re in the shade. Sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat are all ways to protect the skin wherever you are.
Invest in Sun Protection Clothing
When it’s hot outside, wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt isn’t appealing. You’ll get too hot. If you get loose, thin cotton clothing, the sun’s rays may get through the fabric. Look into clothing that is woven in such a way that it blocks UVA and UVB rays.
Coolibar, Solbari, and Solumbra are clothing lines that offer 50 SPF. Unlike sunscreen, there’s no reapplying any protective coating. The type of fabric and the weave are the reasons the clothing blocks UVA and UVB rays.
Drink Plenty of Water
While water won’t keep the sun’s rays from damaging your skin, it is important to make sure there’s enough water within the body. If you’re not drinking enough water, your skin may become dull and dry. Make sure you’re drinking the water your cells need to stay plump and healthy.
Do you live too far away to check on your mom and dad each day? If you aren’t close by or are busy with your job and household responsibilities, you can still make sure your parents have the help they need. Talk to an elder care agency about services like housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation.
Elder care providers keep your parents comfortable and safe without stripping them of their independence. Call a local agency and ask to talk to a specialist in elder care services.