by Bailey LeRoux
West Texas summers are known for plenty of heat and sunshine. And by plenty, we mean just about enough to drive you crazy. The kind of plenty that makes you thank the good Lord above for swimming pools and lakes. But all that time spent keeping cool by the water leaves you and your family exposed to harmful UV rays. Living in a Texas summer means frequent exposure to intense sunlight, whether or not you spend your free time outdoors. Take care and be prepared for any amount of time spent in the scorching Texas sun.
- Cover all the exposed areas. Not just the obvious ones. Ears are one of the most common places to develop exposure related skin cancers, so don’t forget to protect them! Tops of feet and toes are also often missed. Eyelids and backs of knees are also commonly in danger of being overlooked.
- Wear sunscreen in the car. We are all well aware of the insane amounts of heat that can thrive in parked cars, but once we start the engine and turn on the AC we often forget the effects the sun still has on our traveling habits. When making those summer road trips be sure that you take precautions against the sun that creeps in your car windows. Think of this as your motivation.
- If you have concerns about the chemicals in most sunscreens you might like to try a sun block or a physical sunscreen. Look for zinc oxide or titanium oxide as the active ingredient. Instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream like the chemical sunscreens, these create a protective layer on top of the skin. Here are some great natural options.
- This helpful infographic pretty much covers all of the sunscreen basics so you should probably commit it to memory.
How do you stay safe in the summer sun?
