How to Protect Your Skin from the Summer Sun: Top Tips
As the summer sun shines brighter than ever, everyone is fully aware that protecting their skin from harmful ultraviolet rays is essential! Wherever you are in England – whether you're in sunny Devon or Manchester - sun exposure can lead to premature ageing, sunburns, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. But don't worry! By following a few simple steps, you can enjoy the sun while keeping your skin healthy and radiant. So what are some top tips to protect your skin from the summer sun? Let’s have a look.
- Apply sunscreen
This is the number one thing you should do and for good reason! Sunscreen is your skin's best friend during the summer months. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed areas - including your face, neck, arms, and legs, at least 15 minutes before stepping out into the sun. Don’t neglect to reapply it every hour or so (or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming). Applying sunscreen is especially crucial if you’ve had anti wrinkle injections – your skin will thank you for it.
- Seek shade and wear protective clothing
Avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4, when the sun's rays are the strongest. Seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or any other protective structure when outdoors. This simple step can significantly reduce your skin's exposure to harmful UV rays. In addition, covering up your skin is another effective way to shield yourself from the sun. Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs. Wide-brimmed caps and hats provide excellent shade for your face and neck, and wear UV sunglasses to protect the eyes from harmful rays.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for your overall health, including your skin. Hydrated skin is more resilient and less prone to damage, so drink at least eight glasses of water daily during the summer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
- Use a lip balm with SPF
Often overlooked, but the lips are also susceptible to sunburn! Protect your delicate lips by applying a lip balm containing SPF. Look for lip balms with at least SPF 15 and reapply the lip balm regularly, particularly after consuming or drinking something.
- Avoid tanning beds
You should know that tanning beds produce harmful rays that can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of getting conditions like skin cancer. Instead, embrace your natural skin tone (or go for a self-tanning product) if you would like a sun-kissed look. Remember, a tan obtained through safe methods is always more beautiful than a potentially harmful one.
- Be mindful of medications
Some medications - such as acne treatments, antibiotics, and some anti-inflammatory drugs - can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see if any of your medications increase sun sensitivity. If they do, take extra precautions to protect your skin from the sun's rays.
- Have your skin regularly examined
Keep an eye on any changes in your skin. You can, for instance, perform regular self-examinations to look for moles that appear new, changes in current moles, or other abnormalities. If you see anything weird or strange, see a dermatologist right away.
