Sun safety is never out of season. While summer can be pleasant after the harsh winter months in parts of India, it also means that you have to be extra careful about sunburn playing havoc on the hair and skin. Here are some sun safety tips to ensure healthy hair and eyes through the last stretch of this scorching sun....

Sun protection for your eyes

When one goes unprotected in the sun, the ultraviolet rays can elevates one’s risk of developing eye ailments by damaging the retina. It is general knowledge that UV rays are so damaging that they can lead to macular degeneration later in life, if one is exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Thus, it is never too late to protect your eyes from the harsh effects of the sun. Here’s how to do so:

• Make sure you are wearing protective wear, irrespective of whether it is sunny or cloudy.  
• Quality sunglasses are an important purchase. These should have 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation protection. If possible, go for branded polycarbonate lenses as they only allow 75 to 90 percent visibility, but keep UV rays at bay 100 percent.
• Sunglasses should be free from any kind of distortion or imperfection.
• If you wear spectacles, then wearing grey coloured lenses can be your best bet. This is because grey coloured lenses do not alter the colour of objects and help in providing the most natural colour vision. 
• Eye protection in the sun is a must for kids and teens too. Make them wear trendy and colourful hats, sunglasses and make sure they apply a good amount of sunscreen under the eyes, before they go out playing. 

Sun protection for your skin

Most skin care issues can be prevented in extreme summer months, simply by taking a few important measures. Avoid burns, pre-mature wrinkling, and other skin ailments, by following these steps...

• Avoid sunburn by wearing long sleeved shirts and full pants. If possible, avoid going out in the sun, during the peak afternoon hours.
• Follow the shadow rule: If you go out in the sun, and the shadow is longer than you, then the UV exposure is bearable. However, if the shadow is shorter than you, then the UV exposure is high and one must take optimum care. 
• Wear hats with 10 cms brims, which will help in covering your neck, ears, eyes and scalp. 
• If your child is 6 months or younger, he or she shouldn’t be allowed to go out in the sun. 
• Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher in order to protect sensitive skin. 
• Further, for sensitive skin, use a gel which dries on the skin or go for sunscreen that is free of any kind of chemicals or alcohol content. 

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