Protecting your skin from the worst effects of the sun’s rays need not be a chore thanks to these simple tips for staying safe this summer.
Protect your skin from Summer sun
No matter where you are in the world, summer is invariably associated with getting out in the sun and attempting to top up your tan while you have the chance. Direct exposure to the sun comes with risks however, and failure to adequately protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays can result in sunburn, freckles, moles and even worse conditions. Indeed, prolonged exposure to the sun is believed to be one of the leading causes of skin cancer around the world. Thankfully, there are many ways to protect yourself from the worst of the sun’s rays, allowing you to get on with enjoying the summer.
Sunblock or suntan lotion is usually the first recourse for protecting your skin against the sun. While this is an excellent first step, there are a few important details to keep in mind. The first of these is the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of the sunscreen you apply. The higher the SPF value, the longer you can stay in the sun and the better your skin will be protected. You should aim for sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 and look for SPF 30 or higher if you expect to be exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time.
There are other considerations to take into account when choosing sunscreen, apart from SPF. Make sure to buy a product that is waterproof for optimum protection. This will ensure that your skin remains protected even if you are swimming or sweating heavily. It is also important to remember that you may not be able to apply sunblock to certain parts of your body, so consider investing in other products as necessary. For example, lip balm with an SPF component is an excellent way to prevent sensitive lips from burning and cracking in the sun.
One of the easiest ways to protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun is to dress appropriately. While there is a strong temptation to strip down to a bikini or swimming costume and bask in the sun, consider covering up a bit more when engaging in other activities. A hat with a wide brim can protect not only your head and face but also your neck and ears and can help you keep cool generally by casting shade over your face. Sunglasses are another must and prevent damage to sensitive skin around the eyes.
Your choice of clothing is also key to avoiding the worst effects of the sun’s rays. Wear loose fitting clothing to ensure maximum skin coverage and make sure that the material you choose is tightly woven – loosely knit fabrics can let harmful UV rays fall directly on the skin thanks to large gaps in the material. From a more general comfort perspective, it is better to choose white or pale coloured clothing to help keep cool; white materials reflect more of the sun’s heat, while black or dark ones absorb it, a phenomenon known as the albedo effect.
It’s also a good idea to adjust your skincare regime to help protect against the sun. Thankfully, many skincare products from manufacturers like Clarins, Benefit and Clinique contain SPF ingredients that offer additional protection for sensitive areas of your face. There are also various lotions and creams that can be applied after exposure to the sun to help replace lost moisture in the skin and repair any damage.
Guest Blog by Nala Jones
