As the summer arrives it becomes more crucial for you to keep an eye on weather data, protect your skin from UV rays and other harmful effects of the sun. From sunburns to premature ageing, prolonged exposure to sun can also increase the risk of skin cancer. This article will give you a complete guide to protecting your skin this summer and keeping it healthy.
Apply Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to protecting your skin in summer from harmful rays. It is advisable to go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, which will shield you against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Apply it to all the exposed areas of the skin, including your face, ears, front and back of the neck, hands and top of your feet before going out. And reapply it after every two hours, especially if you are sweating or doing water activities. You can also look for a water-resistant sunscreen as there are wide variety of sunscreens available in the market.
Wear Shades
The sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so it is important to wear sunglasses during these peak hours. Your eyes have delicate skin around them and it becomes dark as it gets exposed to the sun, exposing your eyes to the sun’s rays for a long period can also give you an eye infection.
You can get a pair of sunglasses which have UV protection glasses these shades are labelled as UV400 or 100% UV protection by paying a little bit extra. It is also advised to get a pair which is oversized as it will protect the skin around your eyes much better.
By taking this step you can reduce the risk of eye strain, cataracts, and premature ageing around the eye area.
Don’t take Sunbathe
Exposing your skin for a prolonged period of time is never a good idea, even if you apply a lot of sunscreen on your skin, sun rays are still harmful. Although if you still want to enjoy your beach day you should stay under a shade of a beach umbrella or a tree. This will reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. But if you still want a tanning glow on your body you can go for self-tanning creams and lotions.
You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat which can give you some extra shade on the beach and will reduce the harmful effects of the sun.
Wear Protective Clothing
Along with shades and a hat, wearing protective clothing is also an effective way to protect your skin from harmful rays. Wear lightweight loos-fitted clothes made of tightly woven fabrics. Full sleeves shirts, pants, jeans or long skirts give you more coverage and protection.
Avoid wearing black, light color clothes reflects sunlight and keeps you cooler. This method will protect your skin from sun rays and make you feel pleasant as well in summer.
Stay Hydrated
Propper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin, especially during the summer. Make sure to consume enough water throughout the day even if you don’t feel thirsty, staying hydrated helps your skin to retain moisture and make a natural protective barrier of hydration. You can also boost your hydration levels by eating foods which are good sources of hydration.
Avoid excess consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages if you are going out in the sun, as they can make your skin dehydrated too fast. Hydrated skin is more resilient and less prone to sun damage and dryness, so make hydration a top priority for your overall skin health.
Regularly Check Your Skin
It is important to keep an eye on any changes in your moles, freckles or birthmarks and also check if there are any new changes that have occurred on your skin. These regular checks will protect you from any of the upcoming skin issues as you can cure them in advance before it becomes hard to treat.
If you if anything new or suspicious on your skin you should immediately consult a dermatologist, as ignoring these skin issues can take the form of skin cancer.
By following these easy tips you can protect your skin from harmful sun rays and enjoy these summers while keeping it healthy.
