Basking in the sun feels great, and it helps your body produce vitamin D, which plays a role in preventing depression, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. However, exposing yourself to strong ultraviolet (UV) rays without proper protection can be extremely harmful to your skin and body. In recent years, research has shown that exposure to ultraviolet rays such as UVA and UVB can lead to skin cancer and eye damage. Fortunately, that doesn't mean that you need to give up fun in the sun altogether. You just have to protect yourself from these harmful rays at all times.

Put on sunscreen every time you go out, especially when you are at the beach, in which case you might have to reapply it every couple of hours or after swimming. Sunscreen, or sunblock, protects your skin by absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet radiation that can lead to sunburn. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 65% of melanoma cases are linked with exposure to harmful UV radiation from the sun. A recent study found that using sunscreen regularly can cut the risk for developing melanoma in half. Taking the time to put on sunscreen can save your life, so be sure to apply it regularly, even if you do not think you'll be spending a lot of time outside.

Wearing sunscreen is not the only way you can protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation. You can also wear hats and protective clothing that can shield you from sun damage. The best type of hat to wear when spending time in the sun is a wide-brimmed hat that will protect your skin and eyesight. You can also buy clothes specifically designed to block dangerous UV light. Protective clothing is measured by the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) that reflects how much UV radiation the fabric absorbs.

In addition to taking care of your skin, don't forget to protect your eyesight. Wide-brimmed hats are not enough to prevent eye damage that can be caused by strong UV rays. Look for sophisticated sun protection specifically developed to protect your eyesight such as polarized sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses not only protect your eyes from UV radiation, but also reduce glare that can strain them. Most people don't realize that their eyesight deserves the same attention when it comes to sun protection as their skin. Over time, exposure to sunlight can damage your eyesight and surrounding skin, lead to loss of vision, and contribute to conditions ranging from cataracts to eyelid cancers. Protecting your eyes from the sun is essential to maintaining a healthy vision throughout your life.

Spending time in the warm sunlight feel fantastic, but it can also be extremely dangerous if you don't properly protect yourself from harmful UV radiation. To reduce risks associated with sunlight exposure, protect your skin with sunscreen and special protective clothing. Don't forget to take care of your eyes as well by wearing polarized sunglasses that will shield your eyesight from damaging rays. Enjoy the sun, but don't forget to actively protect your skin and eyes from UV light damage.