SUMMER is accompanied by longer days, shorter nights, and often searing heat in the Zululand region.
While the summer holidays are a joyous time to enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends, the scorching temperatures can be detrimental to the health of your skin.
Sunburn can lead to incurable skin damage like leathery skin, dark spots and wrinkles, as well as skin cancer.

Here are 5 tips to make the most of summer while reducing the risk of damaging your skin:
1. Apply sunscreen whenever you leave the house. Contrary to popular belief, the sun’s UV rays can cause harm whether the weather is sunny or cloudy. Ensure the sunscreen label says ‘broad spectrum’ to protect you against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), and always apply a generous amount.

2. For extra protection, don a hat with at least a 5cm or 7cm brim to keep the sun off your face. For additional protection, wear protective clothing, or even thin cotton long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

3. Wear sunglasses. Protect the delicate skin around your eyes from the sun’s glare. For a few extra rands, you can purchase a pair of oversized sunglasses that block the UV rays.

4. While ‘getting a tan’ by lying out in the sun provides a nice golden glow, it is never a good idea to expose yourself to direct sunlight for long periods. It is safest to relax under a tree or umbrella for extra protection and avoid the sun at its peak between 10am and 4pm.

5. With the longer days, opt to go for walks with your pets early in the morning or in the evening to ensure the safety of both of you. And remember – if the ground is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it’s too hot for your pet’s pads.