Summer sun safety month!
When the weather gets warm, we tend to spend more time outside, which naturally translates to more sun exposure. With more sun comes more vitamin D, an essential vitamin that combats inflammation, builds bones, and strengthens immunity. Unfortunately, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing: Excessive sun exposure can have harmful effects on your body. August is Summer Sun Safety Month, and it’s an excellent time to review the rules on how to enjoy the sun safely.
Summer Sun Safety: What You Need to Know
The sun produces UV radiation, which can damage your skin. This damage is most common in areas that experience frequent exposure to the sun, such as the scalp, ears, face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs. However, it can occur anywhere.
Staying inside all the time to avoid the sun isn’t necessarily an option, nor would it be particularly desirable for most of us. Instead, taking steps to protect your skin when outside can allow you to enjoy the sun more safely.
1. Timing
For the safest exposure, avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, when the sun is at its most intense. Remember that UV rays can reflect off pavement, sand, and water, increasing your overall exposure.
2. Protect yourself.
When outdoors, use a broad-spectrum, reef-safe sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 even on cloudy days. Be generous and reapply every two hours or more often if you’re in the water or perspiring heavily. Be sure to apply it on all exposed skin, including the tips of your ears, the back of your hands, your neck, and your lips. UV rays can also damage your eyes, increasing your risk of cataracts and ocular melanoma, so wear sunglasses with UV protection.
3. Layer up.
Sunblock is not necessarily enough, especially if you’re spending a full day out on the water or sand. This is where protective clothing can help. Long sleeves, pants covering your legs, and a broad-brimmed hat can reduce your exposure. Some clothing features added protection with a UPF rating similar to SPF ratings, which can help if you’re planning on being outside during peak hours or are especially sensitive to the sun.
Enjoying Safe Fun in the Sun
With summer sun sense, you can still enjoy plenty of fun in the sun here in the Florida Keys. Long term houseboat rentals make it easy to retreat to the cool shade whenever the sun is too warm, and you can kick back and relax with a cool drink while dangling your feet in the water. Mangrove Marina’s livaboard marinas are designed with your needs in mind and feature all the amenities of a luxury resort, including a heated freshwater pool, laundry facilities, an onsite bar and grill, barbecue facilities, Tiki huts, and more, all for your comfort and convenience.
At Mangrove Marina, our monthly houseboat rentals come with everything you need to enjoy your Summer in the Florida Keys, including a living room, well-appointed kitchen, dinette, cable and TV, wi-fi, and spacious sleeping quarters as well as decks on which you can stretch out and watch the sun or moon rise over the water.
Contact Mangrove Marina today to learn more about safely enjoying the Florida Keys outdoors or to plan your next adventure!
