The great outdoors is tons of fun, but you shouldn't be skipping out on sun protection when you're out there. Look after your skin with the help of these important tips!
Sun Protection: Tips to Keep Skin Healthy
While we frequently take care of our skin by moisturizing or using skin care products, protecting the skin against the sun is often a neglected or overlooked task.
We may not realize it until we feel the burn or see how the heat has damaged our skin. Before our skin pays the price, here are some sun protection tips to help you have fun in the sun without jeopardizing your skin's condition:
1. Apply Sun Block
This is very basic, of course. Whether you're hanging out at the beach or hiking a mountain trail, good sunscreen is a must.
Pick out your sunscreen according to your recommended SPF and make sure your skin is protected from the unrelenting UV rays.
2. Avoid the Sun Between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm
It's between these times that the sun's rays are most intense. If possible, stay inside during these hours.
If not, at least find shade to keep you protected. Also, make sure you reapply your sunscreen frequently when you are out at these hours.
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3. Consider Sun Protection Clothing
If you really must be outside in the intense heat, consider the clothes you wear. This is especially important when engaged in outdoor sports or activities that won't allow you to seek shade immediately.
Wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting, and tightly woven shirts. There is even clothing with SPF available for when you're doing water sports.
4. Accessorize to Protect
Beach hats aren't just for fashion. They're also meant to protect your face, neck, and ears from harmful sun rays.
Likewise, sunglasses can protect your eyes and the surrounding skin from UV rays. However, avoid reflective sunnies. They may look great, but they bounce the UV rays to your cheeks.
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5. Reapply Sun Block
You may think your initial application of sunscreen is enough to keep you protected the whole day, but it really isn't.
The frequency of your application is the key to skin protection. Remember, sunscreen protection wears off after a couple of hours.
6. Eat Food That Boosts Your Skin's Sun Protection
There are different types of food that can lessen the risk of sunburn or sun damage by boosting your skin's ability to defend itself and maintain its health.
Citrus fruits, carrots, and green leafy vegetables help your skin combat harmful rays and stay healthy from the inside out.
7. Choose Cosmetics with Sun Protection
Some makeup products and contact lenses offer UV protection.
Though their SPF is somewhat low and won't be enough to give you lasting protection, they will still give you added protection from the sun while making you look fantastic.
8. Know Your Medications
Some medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Take extra precautions against the sun when you're taking antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, blood pressure medications, or if you're undergoing chemotherapy.
It's best to consult your doctor if your medications require you to be extra careful under the sun.
9. Be Careful Around Snow, Sand, and Water
This may be a bummer for those who love the beach. Sand, water, and snow reflect the harmful rays of the sun and increase the risk of sunburn.
You can still have your fun at the beach, but in moderation and with extra precaution.
10. Pay Attention to the Weather News
The weather report usually includes the UV index – which is the measure of how damaging sun exposure could be on that day.
This index is on a scale of 1 to 10+. When the index indicates 10 or higher, it's wise to remain indoors.
For more sun protection tips, watch this video from Cancer Council Western Australia:
Being excited about going outdoors or simply being lazy may mean you normally skip out on the sun protection. However, don't let that temptation get the best of you. Whether you're out camping or enjoying the beach, always remember to keep your skin protected.
Do you have any sun protection tips we missed? Let us know in the comments section!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 5, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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10 Sun Protection Tips