8 Effective Ways To Protect Your Skin From The Sun
8 Effective Ways To Protect Your Skin From The Sun
Spending time outside can be excellent for keeping physically active, minimising stress, and getting the needed vitamins to keep your body optimally functioning. However, working or playing outside exposes you to some health issues. For instance, research has suggested that over 80% of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. Protecting yourself from this radiation is crucial all year, so consider these simple ways to do that.
- Choose the right sunscreen type and regularly reapply
Sunscreen is an excellent technique to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. It can also prevent early indications of skin ageing or damage due to the sun. Everyone, excluding newborns aged six months or lower, should use sunscreen whenever they are outside. However, you want to pick the correct type while shopping for the best protection. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. It is important to remember that while sunscreen might be “water-resistant,” it is not sweatproof or waterproof. As a result, reapply regularly, particularly if swimming or sweating.
How you apply sunscreen can determine how well your skin is protected from the sun. The recommended time for sunscreen is 15 to 30 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun. That is how long it takes your skin to absorb the sunscreen. You can also wait 10 to 20 minutes after application to avoid unintentionally rubbing it off. It would be best if you reapplied the sunscreen every two hours or perhaps sooner if you are swimming or sweating to reduce the risk of sunburn.
- Consider your clothing
The cloth you wear can offer some protection to reduce your UV exposure. However, every clothing type offers different protection, so it is essential to wear the right type for the best results. Experts recommend wearing outfits made with thicker fabrics such as Denim, darker colours and dry fabrics. There are also clothing companies producing lightweight and comfortable shirts and bottoms that provide good protection against UV. You can also search for clothing with UV protection factor (UPF) labels. The higher the number, the greater UV protection.
- Avoid the sun during peak hours
The sun has shown to be hottest between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. These are periods where the rays are most intense, so you want to limit or avoid exposure firing at that time. Try to spend more time in the shade if you have to be outside during these hours, or completely avoid it if possible. You can also practice the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than yourself, it indicates the sun’s rays are most intense.
- Accessorise with hats
It is recommended to wear a hat with brims that cover your face, ears and rear of your neck for maximum protection from the sun’s rays. However, the type is also important. Tightly-woven fabrics like canvas are known to be great for UV protection. Avoiding straw hats with holes is advisable since they allow sunlight through them. Additionally, darker hats may provide more UV protection. Finding ways to shield your ears and neck is practical, even when wearing a baseball cap. In this case, you can apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective gear or stay in shady areas.
- Grow a beard
Did you know that your hair can offer some UV protection? A quantitative study published by PubMed revealed that hair is a barrier against UVA and UVB radiation. This sun protective factor was named hair ultraviolet protective factor (HUPF). And according to a Huffington Post article, beards may shield the skin from up to 95% of the sun’s damaging UV radiation. This is massive for a lot of people.
Aside from boosting your standing and appearance older and stronger, you may want to put down the razor if you intend to spend some time outside or enjoy the summer vacation. Consider applying some beard oils to promote growth, soften the hair and spot a good look.
- Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses are not just accessories for your summer but essentials for your eye health. They shield your eyes from UV radiation and lower your risk of cataracts. Sunglasses also help shield the delicate skin around your eyes from sun damage. However, sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB radiation are the best protection. Consider them as sunscreen for your eyes since these organs also require sun UV protection. Wrap-around sunglasses are most effective since they prevent UV rays from seeping into the eyes from the sides.
- Check your medications
According to the FDA, some types of medication, including antibiotics and antifungals, can cause sun sensitivity. Others, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering and certain chemotherapy drugs, can cause photosensitivity. These drugs can leave you sensitive to the sun and cause sunburn symptoms such as rash and other unwanted side effects. It would be best if you were more cautious when taking medications that may cause you to be more sensitive to the sun. If possible, talk to the pharmacist or healthcare professional to learn more about the medications. This way, you can take preventive measures to limit photosensitivity.
- Find shade everywhere
Staying in the shade might be an excellent way to lower your exposure to the sun’s UV. It is critical to locate shady areas while outside. For instance, you can seek shade under a tree or pitch a tent while spending some time on the beach during the hottest hours of the day. This is especially important for newborns as they need to avoid excessive sun exposure. It is advisable to keep new babies, particularly those younger than six months, from the sun or always in the shade using umbrellas, hats, or strollers.
While the above are several ways to limit exposure to the sun and protect your skin, it is important to quickly seek medical care when you notice any symptoms of severe skin damage. This includes irregular pigmentation, coarse wrinkles, or developing a rough, uneven skin texture.
