As the weather gets warmer at Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat, more and more people, like you, will be spending time outside. If you’re one who enjoys spending time outside during your cabin stay but is worried about your skin, you might be wondering how to achieve the right balance between protecting your skin and having outdoor fun.

Luckily we have at least four things you can do to better protect your skin while not sacrificing your outdoor fun at Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat!

four different types of sunscreen lined up on porch

1. Sunscreen and Other Skin Protection

While some people may assume that only those with fair skin need to apply sunscreen, that’s not true. No matter your skin tone, it’s important to apply sunscreen. Even if you “never get sunburnt”, your skin could be seriously damaged by sun exposure.

For the best results, apply sunscreen 1) before you leave your cabin and 2) 15 minutes before you go outside. It’s also important to continue to apply sunscreen if you’re spending significant time outside. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours (or more often if you are sweating or swimming).

While the sun is a significant contributor to summer skin damage, it’s not the only culprit. When hiking, particularly near water, or when engaging in other activities in areas where you may encounter insects, be sure to apply bug repellant. Avoiding insect bites is also an important way to protect your skin and overall health.

2. Wear the Right Clothing

Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will help to protect your eyes from the sun. They can also protect your face and the skin on the top of your head from sun damage.

If you’re planning on spending significant time outside, you may also want to invest in clothing that provides sun protection.

Lightweight long sleeves and long pants will provide the most protection since they decrease the amount of skin that’s exposed to the sun. On hot days, though, long-sleeved clothing, even if it’s lightweight, isn’t always a practical option. So, another option is to invest in clothing that provides UV protection.

This clothing combined with other UV protection will allow you to decrease your chances of experience sun damage.

shaded porch at Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat

3. Use Shading

To increase the amount of time you can safely spend outside, find and use shading. One easy way is to simply enjoy your cabin’s relaxing deck or porch!

Outdoor umbrellas can also be a great addition that provides some UV protection. When purchasing an umbrella, look for one that says that it provides UV protection.

You can also safely spend more time outside by planning activities in areas where trees or other natural sources provide shading.

4. Pick the Right Time of Day

Picking the right time of day for your outdoor activities is also an important part of protecting your skin from sun damage.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should avoid the sun whenever possible between 10 am and 2 pm. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest and are most likely to cause skin damage. The hours are not exact, and the American Academy of Dermatology suggests seeking shade if your shadow is shorter than you.

The time of day that you go to specific places or participate in certain activities also matters. For example, one part of your cabin may provide great shade in the evening but is exposed to the sun's rays earlier in the day. Take this into consideration when spending time outside!

Of course, these are just four simple things you can do to protect your skin while also spending time outside. The real key is to be smart about the amount of time you spend outside and the precautions you take, both before going outside and while you’re outside.

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