The sun is a natural resource that benefits people's skin. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, essential for strong bones and teeth. 

Sun exposure also helps improve mood and energy levels.

However, the sun can also be harmful to people's skin. Over-exposure to the sun can cause sunburns, skin cancer, and premature aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. 

Protecting your skin against the sun will be necessary, but setting up a defense system that won't leave you feeling overheated or weighed down can be challenging. Moreover, you can protect against UV's harmful effects. 

Here are a few tips to help keep your skin safe against the sun and its toxic components.

The most apparent tool against the sun is sunscreen. Sunscreen works by creating a barrier on the skin that reflects or scatters UV rays away before they can damage the skin cells. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. To be most effective, sunscreen needs to have an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher and be broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays.

While it's essential to use sunscreen when spending time in the sun, it's also important to remember that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating. 

Waterproof sunscreen will help protect against water and sweat but will still need to be reapplied after extended periods in the water. You can use this time to reapply sunscreen as an opportunity to take a break from the sun and stay in the shade for a little while.

You might still suffer sun damage despite your efforts to protect yourself from the sun. Fortunately, you can take steps to help reduce the appearance of sun damage and improve the overall health of your skin.

Maintaining hydration is one of the best things you can do for a healthy skin. Drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer will help keep your skin looking plump and healthy. Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that helps your skin retain moisture.

It would help if you also exfoliate your skin regularly to eliminate dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This will help brighten your complexion and allow your skincare products to work more effectively. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliator, as harsh scrubs can further damage sun-exposed skin.

Finally, use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. A good skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.

Your face will receive top priority regarding sun protection, but don't forget about your neck and chest. These areas are just as susceptible to sun damage as your face, so extend your sunscreen and skincare routine to these areas.

You can also help prevent wrinkles and sagging skin by using a cream for neck lines. Look for a cream containing retinol, which helps stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. This will help keep your neck looking smooth and youthful.

Covering up with clothing is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses protect the sun's harmful rays. If you're going to be in the sun for an extended period, consider wearing a rash guard or sunscreen clothing. 

These garments are made with materials that provide UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) protection, which helps block out the sun's harmful rays.

Whenever possible, take refuge in the shade to avoid direct sun exposure. This is especially important during the middle of the day when the sun's rays are at their strongest. Bring an umbrella or wear a hat to create your shade if necessary.

Shades protect from the sun's harmful rays

You should also be aware of how much time you spend in the sun. Limit your time outdoors, especially during peak hours when the sun's rays are at their strongest. This is typically between 10 am and 4 pm.

Even if you're not planning on spending a lot of time outdoors, it's essential to stay prepared for unexpected sun exposure. Keep sunscreen and protective clothing with you to put them on if necessary. It's also a good idea to check the UV index before heading outdoors to see how intense the sun's rays will be.

The UV index measures the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth's surface. The higher the number, the greater the risk of sun damage. You can find the UV index for your area on the Environmental Protection Agency's website.

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential for maintaining its health and preventing premature aging. Following these tips can help keep your skin looki