Cerritos is no stranger to being affected by California’s wacky weather. For fellow residents of Cerritos, our skies have been filled with the golden rays of the Sun instead of the usual gray clouds and chilly rainfall this winter. While California’s year-round summer temperatures are appealing for many, it can also be equally as harmful. I’ll be talking about the effects of the Sun on your unprotected skin and ways you can prepare yourself for California’s overwhelming heat waves.
Your skin is your body’s shield against sunlight, using its production of melanin to absorb the ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, this is usually not enough to survive long-term exposure. To give your body an additional layer of immunity, applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher is essential for preventing skin damage and avoiding the consequences of further exposure such as skin cancer and premature aging. It is important to note that damage can still occur even on cloudy days, so sunscreen should still be applied daily.
Long clothes and any source of shade are also great methods for staying out of the Sun’s way. Be sure to wear clothing items that cover up your skin, including wide-brimmed hats and UV sunglasses. If possible, wear clothes that have a UV protection factor (UPF) or are made with a tightly woven fabric. For occasions spent swimming, use a long sleeve rash guard with a high SPF rating. With shade, you prevent a majority of exposure to UV rays, giving the Sun no chance to damage your skin. Keep in mind that the Sun’s peak hours are from 10 a.m to 4 p.m, so be sure to steer clear in the afternoon.
To experience the sunny and beautiful Cerritos can be a luxury to anyone, whether they are longtime residents or temporary visitors. However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t be careful in protecting yourself in the California heat. With California consistently showing higher temperatures than normal, it cannot be emphasized enough how essential it is to provide your skin the defense it needs, whether the city is facing a heat wave or not.
