Sunscreen; How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun

African-girl-with-sunscreen

The sun might be a summertime staple, but it can quickly become a threat to your health. It might feel good to get that Vitamin D every once and a while, but are you putting your body at risk? In fact, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. Perhaps, a sunscreen might help?

It’s up to you to take charge of your sun protection this summer. Avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is always the best way to prevent problems, but who doesn’t want to enjoy some fun in the sun? Here’s how to protect your skin from the sun all summer long.

1. Use Sunscreen

Of course, the first way to protect your skin with sunscreen. This is a staple that needs to be a normal part of your daily routine, even on the days when you don’t plan on spending a lot of time outside. However, remember that sunscreen doesn’t completely block all UV rays. It’s not a way to get away with long periods of time in direct sunlight, but it’s a good temporary shield.

When choosing sunscreen, opt for something that will last longer and suit all skin types. Using a mineral sunscreen is not only good for the environment, but it’s also much more powerful than chemical sunscreens.

2. Apply Sunscreen Correctly

Did you know that choosing the right sunscreen is only half the battle? You need to know how to apply it properly to reap the full effects. Always read the recommended instructions before applying. You’ll need to apply your sunscreen generously anywhere that won’t be covered by clothing. This includes the arms, neck, ears, and face.

You should need around 1 ounce of sunscreen (a palmful) to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face for an average adult. Your sunscreen will need to then be reapplied every 2 hours or more if you’re swimming. Don’t forget about sensitive areas like your lips and scalp which can also burn.

pineapple with the sunscreen.

Image via Pexels

3. Skip the Tanning Beds

There’s a myth that tanning beds are harmless compared to the sun. This is completely false. Tanning lamps give out UVA and UVB rays which can cause long-term damage and skin cancer. Most doctors suggest staying far away from tanning beds.

If you still want to look tan without the harmful effects of laying in the sun or in a tanning bed, you can use a tanning product. Spray tans and tanning locations can give that same dark look without the danger.

4. Re-Hydrate Your Skin

What about after sun exposure? It’s important to restore your skin after spending time in the sun. The better skincare routine you have, the more likely you won’t have any lasting effects from the sun. This all comes down to the right hydration.

A powerful way to hydrate your skin is with argan oil. You can look for argan oil lotions or products, or create your own diluted solution to apply directly to your skin. This blog post from Argan Oil Shop shows just how to use argan oil to hydrate your skin.

5. Skip the Worse Hours

Last but not least, you can protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun by avoiding certain hours outside. The worst time to be in the sun is between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. This is when the sun is at its brightest and strongest.

During these times, practice the shadow rule. That means if the shadow is shorter than you, the sun rays are too strong and you should look for shade.

6. Be Smart About the Sun

How well do you protect your skin from sun damage? Though those rays might feel nice on our skin, they’re doing major damage. Keeping your skin safe from the sun is something you should be doing all year, not just during the summertime.

Start with these tips above. From proper protection to hydration, these small steps will ensure your skin is healthy and strong for years to come.

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