Sun protection is essential as the summer rolls out. While a good summer sun is seductive in calling you to the beach, it is critical that you cover your skin and take care of your skin health. Most people love getting a gorgeous golden hued tan that will boast of the time spent outdoors. While this is a fantastic way to get a tan, burning yourself up at the beach and outdoors is not always a great option.
Excessive exposure to the sun can cause more harm than good. It is necessary to use a robust photoprotector like sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protecting Factor). The sun emits harmful UVA and UVB rays that may cause skin aging, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, skin rashes, skin burn, skin cancers, eye damage, and in some cases, blindness. Some medical conditions can also get worse with sun exposure. With the increase in risk factors, most global health organizations are increasing awareness about sun protection.
Let us look at some general tips that can help you maintain good skin health while protecting you from sun damage.
SPF:
Most over the counter SPF sun blocks and creams tend to wash out with a little water or sweat. Broad spectrum water-resistant SPF with 15 or more is ideal for all skin types and helps in protecting the skin from sun damage. You should apply sunscreen a minimum of 15 minutes before stepping out in the sun. Ideally, use sunscreen after your shower and before you wear your clothes. This will help the skin absorb the sunscreen and create a protective layer.
Many people like to apply tanning lotions before stepping out to get an even tan. Before you use a tanning lotion, gel, or spray, spread a thin layer of sunscreen on your skin and then the tanning lotion. Most outdoor tanning creams need the sun to activate them but don’t protect against sunburns. While using SPF, apply a thick layer to the ears, lips, neck, and nape. These areas get neglected and can burn very quickly.
Use your clothes for protection:
Most people tend to go sleeveless or backless in the summer. This can work detrimentally on your skin. Clothes form a physical barrier between your skin and the harmful rays of the sun. During summer, it is ideal to wear breathable cotton clothes that sit loosely on the surface rather than tight ones in silk, rayon, and chiffon. Tight clothes during the summer can cause excessive sweating which in turn can cause irritation and dehydration. Wear t-shirts and pants that are loose and comfortable.
Apart from loose clothes, you could also use accessories to protect yourself. Lightweight cotton scarves, head stoles, and thin breathable cotton jackets can be used to add to the glam factor with a full sense of dressing. Invest in a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck, chest, and nape from the sun. Hats and umbrellas are chic and can become great fashion accessories. The same is the case with UV protection sunglasses. The eyes can get very sensitive to the sun and should be protected at all times, ensure you wear good quality cheap contact lenses from a reputable supplier…
Stay indoors more:
The sun is at its most powerful between 10 am to 4 pm. If possible avoid going out into the sun during these times. The sun’s rays are excessively intense and can breach almost all protective barriers. People using outdoor tanning lotions should avoid being in the sun for too long since the damage to the skin could be higher with prolonged exposure to the sun. Outdoor tanning lotions, gels, and creams do not protect the skin from sunburn and skin conditions. While purchasing an outdoor tanning lotion ensure you invest in one that suits your skin type and doesn’t expose you to too much sun.
Keep your body hydrated:
Summers are a great time to drink healthy juices, coconut water, lime water, and refreshing drinks. Drinking lots of liquids help keep the body well hydrated. Summers and heat can dehydrate the body very quickly and can cause dizziness, excessive sweating, and even nausea. Keeping the body hydrated helps in maintaining ideal internal body temperature. Healthy liquids, watery fruits like watermelon and sweet melon also help in flushing out toxins from your body that can cause further health complications.
The summer is a fantastic time to head to the beach, go to the park, and have some fun. While enjoying yourself, ensure that you take care of your body and keep it safe from the sun. Checkout this good guide to contact lens tips for winter. From Pure Optical who sell contact lenses online for the UK market including the worlds most popular brand: Acuvue from Johnson & Johnson.