The outdoors can be great for many things, but it can also do a number on your skin. From bug bites to road rash to sun exposure: how can you protect your skin while participating in outdoor activities? And how can you treat scrapes, bites and burns if they do happen? Here are some handy tips.
Whether you like to run, bike, stroll, boat or garden, it’s important to prevent skin damage.
Wear Sunscreen and ReapplyOften
The greatest danger of being outdoors? Damage from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, exposure to which can put you at risk for skin cancer. In addition, sun exposure can lead to premature wrinkles, vascular disorders, and hyperpigmentation, and all of these lead to premature aging.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests you generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher. Ideally, you should apply it 15 minutes before heading outdoors, reapplying it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget your scalp and ears!
Wear Protective Clothing
Protective clothing guards against sun exposure as well as prevents scrapes, rashes and chafing. If you ride a motorcycle, wear the proper protective gear to guard against road rash, which can be painful, to be sure, but can also lead to severe scarring.
Those participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and hitting the beach should wear clothing that covers the arms and legs. It’s also a good idea to wear a large-brimmed hat when possible. Sun safe clothing is recommended for children and for those who will be out in the sun for long periods of time.
Seek Shade
Avoid direct sun at peak times, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade, or wear protective clothing and hats. You should still wear sunscreen even in the shade due to the reflective nature of sun off the sand and other surfaces.
Protect Yourself With Bug Spray
When outdoors, especially in the evening, wear long sleeves and spray with bug spray to prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other critters. Bites can be painful, and if you itch them, they can become scars. Plus, mosquitoes and ticks transmit disease.
Protect Your Eyes
Prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to cataracts, which is a common cause of blindness. The sun can also damage the thin, delicate skin around your eyes. Wear sunscreen on your face and wear glasses that cover your entire eye area.
Avoid Chafing
Physical activity in the outdoors can often result in friction from too much skin-to-skin contact. Sweat or rain increases chafing, resulting in skin agitation and discomfort. Wear moisture-wicking clothing and apply friction-reducing creams like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide.
While we want to keep yourself safe this summer, we also want you to know that our product is here for you if you do experience bites, scrapes, burns or cuts. Pick up a tube of Scarfade today and have it handy all summer long! It works on all kinds of scars you may get from being outdoors.