Do you know what is the number one culprit of skin damage? Let me spill the tea: it is none of your skincare products.
It is the sun—the number one source of the planet’s warmth and light, as well as the prime source of skin problems. And just in case you didn’t know it, the harmful UV rays from the sun can bring many negative effects not only when you are out on the beach, but also when you’re inside the house.
Thankfully, there are several practices you can do to limit the risk of having skin problems brought by the harmful UV rays of the sun. Make sure to scroll further to find out how you can protect your skin better.
Always wear sunscreen
Are you going out? Perhaps spending the whole day inside the house? No matter where you go, make sure to always apply sunscreen on your face. If you are going to the beach, slather sunscreen in all parts of your body. Sunscreens come with a sun protection factor (SPF) number that indicates their effectiveness in protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection but does not necessarily mean more effective.
For starters, you should wear sunscreen wherever you may be with at least SPF 30. Go for a sunscreen that has a “broad-spectrum” label, meaning this sunscreen can block both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and skin cancer. On the other hand, UVB rays are those that cause sunburn and skin cancer as well.
Don’t forget to slather sunscreen across exposed parts of the skin when going out. Also, remember that sunscreen wears off. It’s essential to re-apply after two hours or after swimming.
For those sunscreens that don’t come with expiration dates, they come with a mandatory shelf life of maximum of 3 years. However, if your sunscreen is constantly exposed to high temperatures, the shelf life lowers.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Stray away from sunscreens that are not environmentally-friendly.
Avoid peak sun hours
The best time to protect your skin is to avoid staying out during the hottest hours of the day. This happens between 10 in the morning and 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Reduce your time outside if you can. Avoid unnecessary trips and activities that may jeopardize your health. Think about alternatives: For instance, if you want to play soccer on a hot, open field, why not play futsal in an indoor studio instead? Hot weather may be the perfect time for you to explore and try indoor sports you have not tried out yet.
Use umbrella
Umbrellas are designed not only to protect us during wet seasons. It is also designed to protect our head and skin from the scorching heat of the sun! Seek shade if you have a chance—under a tree, shelter, or use a cap.
Wear appropriate clothing
It’s hot outside and you may be tempted to wear a sleeveless top and a short. But think about it, you may be warding off the heat but you’re inviting skin problems. Tightly woven fabrics provide the best protection for your skin, and darker-colored shirts protect your skin better than the light ones.
However, if you can’t really wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, make sure to slather enough sunscreen on your exposed skin areas.
Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes from the UV rays, reducing your risk of cataracts and temporary blindness. Moreover, it provides protection for the skin around your eyes. So, if you are buying for a new pair of sunglasses, consider buying oversized ones to protect the tender areas around your eyes.
Keep yourself hydrated
Summer allows us to enjoy many outdoor activities, but also, t’s the time when we feel most thirsty because of the excruciating heat. Staying hydrated is the key to stay healthy despite the hot weather. Also, proper hydration makes your skin supple and healthy-looking.
Avoiding the harmful effects of the sun is impossible, but thankfully, with these ways, we can take good care of our skin and our overall well being. Keep these tips in mind to keep your skin healthy!