This time of year, the sun’s rays are at their most intense. So the risk of sunburn is also at its highest.

Overexposure to the sun can cause painful sunburn, peeling, and even blistering. But it also can have long-term effects on your body, including increasing the risk of skin cancer and causing wrinkles to form prematurely.

Pool Service Boca Raton — Protecting Your Skin from the Sun

The best way to prevent sunburn is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. While it may not be possible to avoid 100% of direct sunlight during the day, you can at least make a point of staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day, which runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

If you have to be outdoors during these hours, try to stay under a porch roof or other shade.

Pool Service Boca Raton — Dress for Success

You also can wear protective clothing such as hats with a brim at least 4 inches wide, which is enough to cover your neck, ears, eyes, and scalp.

Wear loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs. Look especially for clothing with sun protective fabric. These clothes generally will have a special label indicating how protective they are against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Sunglasses with UV ray protection will help prevent eye damage from the sun.

Pool Service Boca Raton — Sunscreen Please!

If staying out of the sun isn’t practical, then at least use a sunscreen to protect your skin while you are in the sun. Read the label to learn about the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which tells you how much protection it gives your skin.

If you are at the beach or pool, make sure you use a sunscreen that is waterproof. Otherwise, it may wash right off the minute you step into the water, putting you at risk when you get out.