Follow the “Shadow Rule” to avoid sun damage

ONEThe Earth revolves around its axis – something that, as you may remember from elementary school science, is what makes the sun appear to rise and set – the angle at which sunlight strikes us changes. This shift angle affects the power of the sun’s ultraviolet light, which is important to watch out for whenever you spend time outside. One of the easiest ways to do this is with the “shadow rule”, which will show you the intensity of these UV rays at any time during the day.

You have probably noticed that your shade is shorter in some parts of the day than others, and this can tell you a lot about the state of the sun. “If your shadow is shorter than you are, the exposure to ultraviolet radiation is high,” he says. Andrea Suarez, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston at a TikTok. “If your shadow is taller than you, the ultraviolet radiation is less intense.”

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The stronger the UV radiation, the more likely you are to be damaged by the sun. These short shadows are more likely to occur when the sun is at its peak, explains Ivy Lee, MD, a certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California. “Make sure you look for shade and avoid the peak hours of sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” says Dr. Lee.

If you are out during these periods, make sure you are diligent in applying the right amount of sunscreen every two hours. And if you often have to spend large areas outside during this window, consider investing in UPF clothes that protect from the sun. Remember that even if you do not get a sunburn, you can get sun damage.

“There is no safe tan,” Dr. Lee previously told Well + Good. “Every time we are exposed to UV rays from the countryside, we accumulate DNA damage in our skin cells — whether you lie on the beach or do chores and get some sun exposure there. DNA The damage from all this sun exposure is cumulative, which means that it accumulates over time and is what leads to the signs of premature aging we see with wrinkles, dark spots and cutaneous skin. It also leads to skin cancer. “

How to apply sunscreen properly:

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