With the sun’s persistent presence in the sky and its ever-warming rays consistently beaming down onto the Earth, solar energy in the Philippines remains abundant and infinitely renewable. Here, where the weather is dictated by only two seasons (the rainy and the summer), enjoying a bright, sunny day is the norm.
But be warned, as overexposure to the sun can cause problems. It can range from something as small as wrinkles and sunburns to even skin cancer. That said, read up on the following tips on how you can enjoy the temperate outdoors without having to worry about its negative effects:
Use some sunscreen
Sunscreen can come in many varieties, but it’s usually a good rule of thumb to pick ones that are SPF 15 and above. For those with sensitive skin, though, SPF 45 may be more advisable. When picking, also make sure the check the bottle for the label “broad spectrum”; this indicates that the sunscreen will be capable of protecting you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply your sunscreen on all exposed skin about 20-30 minutes before exposure. Reapply every two hours, especially if you have sweated or swam.
Fun fact: An average person’s body needs at least 45 milliliters of sunscreen to cover all of their exposed skin – that’s about one typical shot glass!
Wear proper clothing
Those living in tropical countries, such as the Philippines, usually don’t’ cover themselves up too much due to the heat. However, if you’re conscious about sun exposure, then it’s the best option you’ve got aside from using an umbrella.
As much as possible, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize skin exposure. You can also opt to wear wide brimmed hats – about 3 inches or more on the rim – and sunglasses to ensure that you’re kept safe from the sun’s rays.
Go out at the right times
When going out anytime between 10 and 4pm, and especially at noon, make sure to keep away from the sun whenever you can. That’s because the sun is at its peak during these hours, and is more likely to burn you than any other time.
Equip yourself with an umbrella or a wide jacket, and seek shade whenever possible.
Even within your car you may still be prone to burns. That said, if you live in particularly sunny areas, tint your windows. This will keep the rays out while also keeping the insides of your car cooler. It also gives you a bit more privacy.
Remember that the sun, while a beneficial addition to the Earth’s environment, can still be devastating when overexposure comes into play. When enjoying its warm rays, keep in mind that moderation is key.
