When you are enjoying the summer season, make sure you remember to protect your skin and follow guidelines for sun safety.
Tips to protect your skin
- Stay covered
When working in direct sun, it is key to keep your skin protected by UV rays. Therefore, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants and a hat all made of breathable fabric. In Canada, the UV index can be strongest during 11am and 3pm, so be sure to limit your time outdoors during this time, so be sure to take regular breaks if you are working in the heat for extended periods.
- Use protective measures
It is a good idea to wear sunscreen all year long. However, you want to ensure you regularly wear apply it throughout the summer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Remember to reapply every two hours, and more frequently if you will be sweating or swimming.
You also want to protect your eyes! No matter the season, you should always protect your eyes with sunglasses that block out harmful UVA and UVB rays to help maintain your eyesight.
Additional Tips
- Be cautious near water and sand since these surfaces reflect UV rays and increase exposure.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated when working long hours outdoors.
- Check the UV index to understand the level of risk and take the appropriate precautions.
- Regularly check your skin for any changes or if you notice anything unusual. Be sure to reach out to a medical professional for a skin exam in needed.
Sunburn and heat stress
Sunburn can be serious and lead to further health issues. Symptoms can include the following:
- Inflamed skin, which looks pink or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or Black skin.
- Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch.
- Pain, tenderness and itching.
- Swelling.
- Small, fluid-filled blisters, which may break.
- Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe.
- Eyes that feel painful or gritty.
Too much sun exposure (with or without sunburn) can increase your risk of skin cancer and can damage the DNA of your skin cells. Furthermore, excessive exposure can lead to heat stress, which occurs most commonly when working in hot environments, while being exposed to high temperatures for an extended amount of time. It can also occur when individuals aren’t properly hydrated or rested.
The symptoms of heat stress can vary in range. From mild discomfort to severe illness, it is important to recognize the signs and ensure proper action is taken. Since heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, it is imperative to seek medical assistance when signs or symptoms are present.
We want you to enjoy the summer months and minimize the risk of skin damage or other health issues as much as possible. Therefore, whether you are working or simply taking part in outdoor activities, by following these tips, you can have fun in the sun safely.