Summer is fast approaching now, and this means that many people will be getting ready to head off on vacation or enjoy their days outside. Either way, there is a big chance you will be sitting in the sun at some point, and the sun can cause some damage to your skin if you do not protect it.
Sun damage is a big threat in the summer months, particularly if you are fair-skinned. This could cause your skin to age prematurely because it was exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. If you suffer from this, then you are likely to experience rosacea. Rosacea is more common in women than men, and you would need a professional, like a cosmetic doctor clinic in Kelowna, to reverse this damage.
However, it is wise to remember that prevention is best. With this in mind, you should read the three tips on protecting your skin from the summer sun listed below.
Table of Contents
Apply Sunscreen
One of the most common ways to protect your skin from the sun is by using sunscreen. This should be applied to any exposed skin to block UV rays from reaching the skin. Sunscreen achieves this in two ways: absorbing or reflecting the UV rays. How successful a sunscreen is at doing this will depend on its sun protection factor (SPF) and UVA protection. Generally, it is best to use an SPF of at least 30 and UVA protection of at least 4 stars.
If you do use sunscreen, then it is vital to apply it correctly. Adults should use roughly six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen to cover their entire bodies, which is an adequate amount to protect against the sun. Too little sunscreen would reduce how protective it is, especially if it has been applied as a thin layer. It should then be reapplied every two hours for continued protection.
Seek a Space in the Shade
When you are outside during the summer months, you should prioritize finding a space that has plenty of shade. Trees and umbrellas can be used to block direct sunlight, which could stop you from becoming sunburnt. However, it is crucial to remember that these shade structures will not completely eliminate the UV exposure; the UV rays could be reflected off surfaces, such as concrete, sand, and water.
For this reason, it is best to find dense, full canopies if you want to sit in the shade. These structures provide a lot more protection than single trees and open shelters. Full canopies will often mean there is less sky visible, and this will limit the amount of indirect UV exposure you experience. Even when you are in the shade, though, you should opt for other methods of protection against sun damage.
Wear Clothes That Offer Coverage
Finally, the clothes you wear during the summer will also play a part in protecting your skin from the sun. Clothes act as a physical barrier between your skin and UV radiation, blocking the rays from reaching your skin directly. How effective the clothing is will depend on the coverage and fabric, of course, so it is vital to pay attention and choose wisely.
Long sleeves and long pants are the best options if you want to prevent UV exposure as they will cover more skin, but you should choose loose-fitting clothes to ensure you do not get too warm. These clothes should be made of tightly woven fabrics to allow less UV rays through, and it is best to select dark colors, which are more absorbent than lighter colors.
To conclude, it can be tempting to enjoy the warmer weather and put off thoughts of your health as you do so. This can be detrimental to your skin, though, especially when there are stronger UV rays. To protect your skin and prevent sun damage, you should use the three tips outlined in this post.
