The sun is one of the best sources of warmth and light, but more sun exposure is needed for your skin. Ultraviolet light from the sun’s rays kills the cells in your skin, causing burns, wrinkles, and even cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun and the harmful UV rays it emits is essential at all times and in every weather and season.
Here Are 8 Practical Tips To Protect Your Skin From The Sun
1. Sunscreen Is A Must
Applying sunscreens is one of the best preventive measures to prevent sun damaged skin from UV rays. It forms a thin layer on your skin, which captures or absorbs UV rays, preventing them from reaching the skin. Some general guidelines for using sunscreens follow:
- Use at least SPF 30: SPF is the sunscreen’s amount of protection. SPF 30 and above provide maximum protection.
- Apply 15 minutes before going outdoors: It allows the sunscreen to soak up completely.
- Reapply every two hours: For prolonged hours outdoors, especially if swimming or sweating, apply the sunscreen every two hours.
- First, cover all exposed skin: Do not overlook the ears, the neck, and the back of your hands.
2. Find Shade
Whenever possible, locate your shade and stay away from being out during the peak hours of the sun. This is when sunrays are strong between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Too much time indoors during these peak hours of direct sunlight increases the chances of getting sunburned and more damage to your skin. Locate a tree, a beach umbrella, or any form of shaded area to minimise your exposure to those harmful UV rays.
3. Wear Protective Clothing Stuff
Clothing also remains an excellent way to protect your skin from the sun. Choose light, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, or skirts that cover most of your skin. Dark colours and tight weaves are better sun protectors than lighter colours and loose weaves. Clothing items to consider:
- Broad-brimmed hats: They help protect your face, neck, and shoulders from the sun. They reduce the UV rays that reach your sensitive body parts.
- UV-blocking sunglasses: Sunglasses help protect your eyes and the skin around them. Make sure to look for glasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays so you’re covered.
4. Be Cautious Around Water and Sand
There is a much higher probability that UV rays bounce off of water, sand, and even snow. If you are at the beach, near a pool, or in snowy locations, you should take more precautions on your skin. Remember to reapply sunscreen whenever you swim or sweat, even if it’s water-resistant. And never forget, even on cloudy days, UV rays penetrate the clouds and harm your skin.
5. Stay Well Hydrated
Hydration is also one of the best ways to have healthy and elastic skin. Direct exposure to sunlight may cause dehydration, which results in dry and damaged skin. Always carry a bottle of water with you if you go out into the open and are under direct sun. Hydration moistens your skin and slows down the impacts of damage from the sun.
6. Avoid Tanning Beds
Some think that tanning beds are safer for getting a tan; actually, they are not. Tanning beds also emit UV radiation, which could be as lethal as the sun’s rays. Continued use of tanning beds increases your chances of damaged skin, premature ageing, and sometimes skin cancer. A better alternative can be the use of self-tanning products, which will give you a bronzed look minus UV dangers.
7. Check Your Skin Often
Pay attention to your skin’s appearance; it may alert you to early signs of sun damage. Take note of any new skin growth, changes in colour or texture, or any new moles or sores that bleed or don’t heal. If anything strange presents, see a healthcare professional. Get regular check-ups as early diagnosis frequently offers curable skin cancer.
8. Keep Your Skin Moisturised
The sun may dry out your skin, so it’s essential to keep it moist. Use a daily moisturiser based on your skin type. Also, look for products containing aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin, which can be effective moisture binders. Of course, the most effective time to apply moisturiser is right after a shower, when your skin will more effectively absorb it.
Take Care Of Your Skin
Healthy skin maintenance largely involves protecting the skin from being exposed to damaging sun rays. Something as simple as the use of sunscreen, staying under shades, wearing protective clothing, and staying hydrated can make a big difference. Regular checks on your skin and a healthy diet can all help support great skin health, which will keep your skin looking vibrant and young. If you feel your skin needs professional treatment to get rid of sun damage, consult Ultraclear Laser Treatment Leeds—an advanced laser treatment that boosts collagen production while removing sun-damaged skin.
Remember, with a little care each day, you can go a long way in keeping your skin safe from the sun’s harmful effects. So, enjoy the sunshine safely by making sun protection part of your daily routine.