Summer is just around the corner. Already, there are people mowing their lawns, taking care of the flowerbeds, and playing with their kids in the backyard. When everyone is outside having a good time, they rarely think about the effects that the sun is having on their skin. They may even be thinking that this is a great time to get a tan.

It is no secret that skin and bones require a healthy amount of vitamin D and sun is a good source of natural Vitamin D, but during the summer months, many of us choose to be outside in the sun more than our skin can handle. Too much exposure in the sun is a direct factor that causes skin cancer and wrinkles, and these are two results that no one wants a part of. Maintain proper balance can easily be found in getting natural nourishments and keeping your skin safe.

Know that we know what it is; we know how to avoid it. The best ways to avoid sunburn are to make sure you limit your children's time in the sun especially during the hours of 10-3 when the sun is the strongest. Make sure your whole family wears protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats, and SPF clothing that covers arms and legs. There are many light weight alternatives available to keep you cool and protected at the same time. Lastly, make sure to use a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Don't abandon your sunscreen when the sky gets cloudy. About 80% of UV rays penetrate light clouds, although heavy cloud blocks mostly blocks them.

Be cautious with exfoliation products. They're good for some parts of the body but not necessarily for the face. Avoid facial scrubs with coarse granules because they can cause tiny tears in the skin, which lead to uneven pigmentation after you've been in the sun enough.

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the peak hours for harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When outdoors, use sunscreens rated SPF 15 or higher. Apply them liberally, uniformly, and frequently. When exposed to sunlight, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, broad-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses. Stay away from artificial tanning devices. Teach your children good sun protection habits at an early age: The damage that leads to adult skin cancers starts in childhood. Examine your skin head to toe at least once every three months.

Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before you go out into the sun to allow the skin time to absorb it. After a half an hour outside, it should be applied again for maximum protection. Most sunscreens only last about two hours, so make sure to apply it regularly, especially if swimming or sweating heavily. Even ?waterproof? brands lose their potency after an hour in the water.

Once you have taken sun damage into consideration and taken the necessary precautions, you can start to relax and enjoy your holiday! You will probably find that the summer heat is drying out your own skin regardless of how much time you spend outdoors, but it can also become oily from exposure to the heat.

Bathing is very necessary at least twice each day during summer, your skin with benefit from the coolness of water soothing the sweat glands, you will also be able to wash the grime off during summer. Make sure you do not take a bath immediately after you came indoors from being under sun for long. Your skin will benefit if you wait for sometime before entering the shower, taking a bath immediately after coming from direct sun tends to dry skin, rather than do it any good, a 10 minute wait would be beneficial.