Updated on October 15th, 2025
AD | For most people, the arrival of the summer means backyard family barbeques, weekend trips to the ocean, and days off sunbathing with an ice-cold cocktail in hand. However, while enjoying the warmth of the sun’s rays on your skin and the healthy glow of your developing tan, it is crucial to protect yourself from the sun. With this in mind, read on to learn why sun protection is absolutely mandatory year-round.
Skin Cancer
Perhaps the word that strikes fear into a large number of people in the country is the word “cancer”. Unfortunately, there is a scientifically proven and all-too-common direct link between too much sun exposure and skin cancer.
Many older people tend to find a strange spot or rash developing on the top of their head. The spot can be due to their hair thinning, or for men, baldness, which is a sign of skin cancer. This is why you should always wear some kind of hat when you are outside. Also, remember that even if the cloud cover is substantial, the sun’s UV rays are still hitting your head. You should not take any chances when you are outdoors for a prolonged amount of time.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke, otherwise referred to as heat exhaustion, is a potentially severe reaction caused by too much sun. A person with heatstroke is unlikely to require immediate medical attention. However, if they do not fully cool down and come around after 30 minutes, then an ambulance is needed.
The primary symptoms of heatstroke include:
- A painful headache
- Excessive sweating
- Stomach, arm, and leg cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive thirst
- Dizziness and tiredness
Fine Lines, Wrinkles, and Leathery Skin
When looking at the skin and overall appearance of older celebrities in the media, it is fairly easy to spot the ones who have embraced the sunbathing life for many years, compared to those who have protected their skin all this time.
Luckily, as long as you make sure that your face and the rest of your body are adequately protected, you will be able to enjoy the warmth, relaxation, and positive vibes from lying in the sun, without overt signs of premature aging.
When spring arrives, you should upgrade your skin routine. Replace your normal moisturizer with a tinted moisturizer with spf, which will protect your face while still providing your skin with the hydration it needs in the summer.
If you wear makeup, use a foundation with an SPF. You can also apply a face-specific sunscreen as well as a lotion on the rest of your body with a minimum of SPF 20.
Damage to Your Eyes
Another perhaps lesser-known risk is the onset of cataracts in one or both of your eyes, as well as a plethora of other eye-related issues.
Some people fail to notice that they have developed cataracts. If cataracts are left untreated, they can begin to cause permanent damage to the eye and the onset of blindness.
Other serious and often painful effects from sun exposure include the degeneration of the retina, tissue growth across the vision, and skin cancer around the eye itself. When you are outside, ensure you wear a high-quality pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from damage.
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