CHARLOTTE – Whether you enjoy time in the garden or you work as a professional landscaper, knowing how to protect yourself from the summer sun’s damaging rays is critical.     

The Importance of Sun Protection

The most important reason to limit your sun exposure is to reduce the risk of skin cancer.  Fortunately, skin cancer is the most preventable form of all cancers.

Another reason to avoid too much sun is to prevent sunburn and the damage it can do to your skin’s appearance over time.  Overexposure can also cause you to get overheated, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Make Sun Protection a Priority by Following These Tips:

Follow the shade. Prevention is the best medicine. As much as possible, time your tasks by the sun. Weed that bed when it’s in the shade of a big tree or the house.

Work in the morning and evening. Another way to prevent overexposure to the sun is to avoid the peak hours of sunlight. Try working in the morning and in the evening to avoid the time of day when the sun’s rays are most intense, which is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use physical sun protection. In the heat of summer, it’s tempting to wear less clothing, but physical barriers against the sun provide excellent protection. Choose lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants that fit loosely. Wear gloves and use a wide-brimmed hat. Wear sunglasses rated to block UV light.

Wear sunscreen.  Sunscreen lotion is a must. Make sure you are using a product with an SPF of at least 30.

Stay hydrated and take breaks. Protecting your skin is essential, but the heat of the sun can also cause problems. Drink plenty of water while outside and take breaks in the shade when you start to feel uncomfortable.

Gardening and landscaping in the summer should be fun and rewarding, not dangerous. Take sun protection seriously.