The harsh sun during summer causes several problems apart from just sunburn. Prolonged exposure to the sun may lead to several skin conditions like brown spots, red and scaly spots, wrinkling, drying and skin cancer. It is important for you to prevent your skin from such harmful effects of the sun. Here are 10 tips you must follow in order to safeguard your skin against sun damage:

1. Wear a sunscreen: You must apply a thick layer of sunscreen lotion on your skin before going out in the harsh sun, as a thin coating will reduce the effectiveness.
2. Cover yourself up: It is important for you to cover up properly before going out in the sun. Clothing of dark and tightly woven materials absorb UV rays more than cotton fabrics of light shades. Hence, you should avoid dark clothes and wear light ones. When the sun is very harsh, a well-brimmed hat is also recommended for the protection of your head.
3. Stay indoors: You should avoid the sun during its peak and most intense hours, specifically between 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening. Try to stay indoors during these hours and use an umbrella, if you cannot avoid going out.
4. Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses are a must before going out on an intensely sunny day. Sun damage to the eyes can result in conditions like cataract and pterygium. Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UVB and UVA protection for keeping your eyes safe.
5. Avoid reflective surfaces: Try to be careful near water, sand or snow, which are reflective surfaces. They reflect the harmful rays of the sun, thereby increasing the chance of sunburn.
6. Avoid sunbathing: During harsh sun conditions, you should avoid sunbathing. Fair-skinned people should keep away from sunbathing even more. When you observe that your shadow is shorter than you, you must find a shade.
7. Do not get fooled by the weather: Do not think that a cloudy sky reduces the chances of sun damage. In spite of a thick cloud cover, UV rays can penetrate your skin, thereby, causing substantial harm.
8. Photosensitivity: Several medicines and drugs make the skin extra sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn. Some herbal medicines are responsible as well. Keep away from these drugs.
9. Avoid tanning beds: UVA rays present in tanning beds can penetrate your skin quite deep. In fact, regular exposure to UVA rays leads to skin drying and causes wrinkles.
10. Consume antioxidants: Antioxidants provide protection from the sun’s rays. You should increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits and drink green tea during summer.

The sun’s rays cause more damage to the skin than you can think of. By following these preventive measures, you will be able to spend time in the sun without getting affected.

Keep the above-mentioned tips in mind and prevent your skin from the harsh sun.