It’s that time of year again! The weather is getting warmer and the sun is higher in the sky. Therefore, it is important to understand that the sun can be damaging to your skin when there is prolonged exposure. This damage can lead to sunspots, sunburns, premature aging, dry skin, and skin cancer. We all want to have beautiful healthy skin. The key is to be sun savvy and know how to keep your skin healthy! So, here are 7 tips to protect your skin:
1. Use Sunscreen When Outdoors
It’s often a misconception that when it is cloudy or cool outside we don’t need to wear sunscreen. The UV rays still poke through the clouds and damage your skin! The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using at least SPF 30. Re-apply every two hours or immediately after swimming. Checking the expirations date is also important!
2. Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection are recommended to protect your eyes but are also helpful in protecting the skin around your eyes – the most sensitive areas. Proper protective sunglasses help prevent damage to those areas.
3. Protect Youngsters
Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults. Applying a higher SPF on your child will protect them from the damaging effects of the sun. Make sure to reapply their sunscreen often during fun days in the pool! It is also important to limit their time in the sun when the sun is at its peak (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
4. Perform Regular Skin Checks
Always look for changes in moles, freckles, or birthmarks. Also, monitor any new skin changes that have occurred. Keep an eye out for those changes and contact a dermatologist if you see those changes. Check out the American Cancer Society’s post on Skin Cancer Awareness.
5. Exfoliate
Cleaning your skin is always beneficial for maintaining skin health, but exfoliating your skin on a routine basis (especially during the summer months) can rejuvenate the skin. Exfoliation is found to be an excellent solution for lightening up sunspots and other marks. Additionally, proper exfoliation allows the skin to undergo proper moisturization. (For further reading check out, “Healthy Aging: All About Biotin”)
6. Apply Lip Balm
Your lips are also affected by the sun! Apply lip balm with SPF to protect them from sunburn and lip cancer. Reapply lip balm every few hours as you would do with sunscreen.
7. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Your life choices also affect your skin. The sun is not the only damaging factor! Maintain healthy skin by not smoking, getting enough sleep, moisturizing, exercising, eating healthy, and staying hydrated.
Protect Your Skin!
Healthy skin is a reflection of the overall health condition of an individual. Summer is the time when our skin needs more protection. Skin is the most prominent organ of our bodies. So, during the summer it is essential to take care of your skin. Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself from sunburns, sunspots, dry skin, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Have any more tips on protecting your skin? Comment below!