Spring is here, Sunny days are here! As much as we all love the season, let’s not forget the scorching heat coming our way. Regardless of the heat, one must not ignore the harmful effects of the sun.
According to research, about 30% of American women and 14% of American men apply sunblock cream before heading outside for more than an hour. A thing to note here is that most people prefer to wear sunscreen when stepping outside for a longer duration. What will come as a shock to you is that it takes mere 15 minutes for your skin to get damaged.
So while you plan your picnics by the beach or a jog in the morning, you are exposing your skin to harmful rays. Regardless of the duration, you must know a thing or two about protecting your skin. For your benefit, we have listed five tips on protecting against harmful rays
1. Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreens or sunblock creams act as a protective barrier between the atmospheric components (in this case UV rays) and your skin. Make sure to use a sunscreen with a higher SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number. This denotes its efficacy and power.
Another factor to consider is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This means it filters harmful radiation like UVA and UVB rays. Sunburn is the least of your concern. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15+ will protect you against skin cancer, premature aging, and skin damage.
- Make sure to re-apply the sunscreen every two hours. This is all the more relevant if you are working outside or doing an outdoor activity.
- Sunscreen needs to be applied more than any of your skincare products. Make sure to apply a thick layer of sunblock cream to your exposed skin.
- Prefer skincare products like lip balms, serums, and moisturizers that contain similar ingredients as sunscreen.
- Sunscreens, as effective as they are, have an expiration date. It is important to check the expiration date as the shelf life gets shorter if exposed to high temperatures.
- Shade or light, make sure to wear sunscreen during day hours.
2. Stay Covered
Staying updated on outfit trends is one way to enjoy summers. Or, you could protect yourself from harmful UV rays by planning your outfits well. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure to stay covered while outside. During extreme heat, try wearing long pants or skirts and full-sleeved shirts. It may not seem practical every time but try to cover up most times. These ensembles protect you from heat and radiation.
- Dry clothes protect better than wet clothes.
- Darker clothes work better than lighter ones.
- Use clothes certified to provide UV protection.
3. Avoid the peak hours
Regardless of how harmful sun rays get it is important to get some sun every day. It is a natural source of vitamin D. It is important to get soak up some sun, However, there are times in a day when the UV radiation is the strongest. From 10 am to 3 pm, the ultraviolet rays are the strongest and cause sunburn. So, if you wish to sit in the sun, avoid the peak hours. Or wear protective clothing during the middle of the day.
4. Seek shade
It is not possible for you to cover yourself all day. You can reduce the risk of skin damage by finding some shade while outside. Make sure to stand under a shelter or tree or carry your umbrella everywhere. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen even under shelter.
5. Protective accessories
Your Outfit of The Day should not go to waste by focusing on covering yourself. Accessorizing an outfit is a great way to be stylish. Also, it is an amazing way to protect yourself from UV rays. A hat that covers your face, neck, and ears is a fantastic way to provide optimal protection against harmful radiation. Also, it is a great accessory to compliment your summer dresses.
Speaking of accessories, another great one is sunglasses that not only reduces the risk of cataracts but protect your eyes from UV rays. What is more important is that it shields your sensitive skin area around the eyes from harmful radiation.
In essence, all you need to do is follow the above tips to stay protected again harmful UV rays. Make sure to practice each of these steps diligently to shield your skin from sun damage. After all, these steps, although small, protect you from bigger health conditions like skin cancer, etc. In case of extreme sensitivity, make sure to consult a doctor for medicated lotions and serums that treat the sunburn+ and protect you from further damage.
