Summer weather is terrific with sunny skies, trips to the beach, and outdoor fun. But your skin suffers without sufficient sun protection. Sunscreen is your best defence against sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer caused by harmful UV rays.
Here are seven sunscreen tips to keep your summer skin safe.
Choose A Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens are equal. You need broad-spectrum protection: a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays prematurely age skin; UVB rays burn it. SPF 30 or higher is recommended for daily wear; SPF 50 for extended outdoor activity.
Apply Sunscreen Generously
Most people wear way too little sunscreen. Use at least a shot glass-sized amount (about an ounce) to cover your entire body. Don’t neglect places that may be easy to forget, like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet. A nickel-size dollop on your face and then smooth it around.
Reapply Every Two Hours
Sunscreen helps, but it doesn’t last all day. You must reapply it every few hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Water-resistant sunblock eventually loses its effectiveness. Keep one handy when you’re on the go.
Sunscreen Is Needed Even on Cloudy Days
Clouds don’t block UV rays. As much as 80 percent of UV radiation penetrates clouds, but you can still get burned. Wear sunscreen every day when the sun is not beating down.
Check the Ingredients
And not all of them are safe for your skin or the environment. Avoid using oxybenzone and octinoxate products, which can harm coral reefs. Instead, use mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are super effective and less toxic ingredients.
How to Protect Your Skin Beyond Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is essential but not sufficient. Wear protective gear such as long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats. Get some shade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun is most intense. These tiny routines are humongous.
Be Mindful of Your Activities
What you’re doing can also affect your sunscreen needs. If you’re participating in sports and swimming or simply luxuriating at the pool playing a game of blackjack, reach for a sweat-proof and water-resistant sunscreen. Sunscreen fades from activity, humidity, and water, so the more you put on, the more protected you’ll be.
Don’t Forget After-Sun Care
Long sun exposure can leave your skin feeling dry or even irritated, even with sunscreen. Moisturize the skin with aloe or a light moisturizer. This makes your skin healthy and glowing and helps you get better quickly.
Sunscreen Should Fit In Your Daily Routine
Sun protection isn’t just an essential for a beach day; it’s daily business. Sunlight can enter indoors through windows, too, bathing you in damaging rays. Sunscreen, every morning. (Particularly if you have a window seat at home or in the car.) Make it a routine like brushing your teeth.
Wrapping Up
Your skin is your body’s largest organ; protecting it should be a no-brainer. Sunscreen is a must whether you’re lounging on the beach, hiking, or playing a friendly blackjack game under the sun. Choose the right one, wear it correctly, and reapply as needed. These tips are simple but a surefire way to spend your summer stress-free and worry-free of sun damage. Have fun in the sun, and stay safe!
