As many Connecticut residents, you’re probably looking forward to spending time outdoors this summer. You most likely know that spending time in the sun without protection can cause sunburn and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself.
Use Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen when you spend time outside in the summer can shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Look for a product that will protect you from both types of rays, that has an SPF of 30 or higher, and that is water-resistant. Even if you don’t plan to go swimming, you should use a water-resistant sunscreen that will still be effective if you’re sweating.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside and every two or three hours after that until you come indoors. Be sure to cover all exposed skin, including your face, ears, and feet. If you have young children, apply sunscreen for them.
Wear Protective Clothing
Loose-fitting clothes can protect your skin from sun damage. Tightly woven fabrics can prevent the sun’s UV rays from penetrating the clothing and harming your skin. Darker colors will absorb sunlight, rather than letting it reach your skin. You can also wear a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses. Choose clothing and accessories that will cover as much skin as possible.
Cover Your Outdoor Area
If you enjoy relaxing outside with family and friends on a patio or deck, it may receive so much direct sunlight sometimes that you and your loved ones are at risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Direct sun exposure can also make the space so hot that no one wants to spend time out there.
A simple solution is to have a retractable awning installed on your deck or patio so you can control the amount of light and shade that it receives. When the sun is bright, you can extend the awning to cover the outdoor area and provide shade to make the space significantly cooler than the rest of your property. If the sky is overcast or you’re relaxing outside in the evening and don’t need the awning, you can retract it.
Aladdin offers both hand-crank and motorized retractable awnings. We can create a custom awning to suit the dimensions of your deck or patio. You can choose from more than 150 weatherproof fabrics in a wide range of colors and designs.
