It’s the second day of summer and you’ve been anticipating sunshine, summer activities, and the beach. Do you worry that the sun will ruin your skin? Too much sun exposure can lead to sun burns, aging and wrinkling skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.
Keep in mind these health risks of enduring the summer sun without protection and learn to rectify these issues by choosing the right sunscreen. Follow these tips to ensure your skin stays safe and your summer remains fun!
- Learn the facts- You are not just trying to prevent sun burns, you are also trying to keep your skin young and prevent wrinkles. So you need a sunscreen that prevents both UVA and UVB rays (Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B rays). UVA rays can age your skin and UVB rays lead to sunburn.
- Choose the right sunscreen- Pick a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF or higher (sun protection factor) to protect against UVB rays. Remember the higher the SPF, the more effective it is. UVA rays are a bit trickier to block. Look for key ingredients such as ecamsule, avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide to protect against UVA rays.
- Always remember to reapply- Even water-resistant sunscreen can only last for 40-80 minutes depending on its strength, so reapply as suggested.
- Applying the sunscreen- Once you have chosen a sunscreen that follows this criteria and works for you, apply your sunscreen before you go out, so your skin has time to absorb it properly. Make sure you use enough to cover all areas, including various areas, such as your ears and the tops of your feet. For hard to reach areas, get someone’s help.
- Extra protection- Feel free to cover also use protective clothing and accessories, such as hats and sunglasses to provide further protection. Also, if the sun proves too intense, seek solace in the shade.
Want more advice on how to keep your skin young and healthy? Contact DC Derm Docs for a skincare consultation.