It takes time and patience to achieve perfect skin, and years to maintain that beauty. However, it would only take you fifteen minutes to get skin damage from sun. And, even increase the risk of cancer when exposed to the sun. Sounds alarming!
We are not suggesting that you should hide behind the walls of your room. You can still enjoy the sunshine and warm weather as long as you practice proper ways to protect your skin from UV rays. Fortunately for you, we’re about to tackle them all here!
So, without further ado, here are some basic tips to follow to keep your skin healthy and sheltered from UV rays.
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Watch the clock
It is essential to go outside to get some vitamin D while being cautious in the shade. Hence, it is highly recommended not to schedule any outdoor activities or stay in the sun for too long between 10 am and 4 pm. UV rays are strongest during these hours. In case you need to go out between these hours, seek shade under a huge leafy tree or a beach umbrella.
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Don’t forget to apply sunscreen
When buying a sunscreen, get a broad-spectrum product with a higher sun protector factor or SPF (at least SPF 15) for more effective protection against UV rays. Broad-spectrum on the label of a product means the sunscreen filters out both ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A radiation exposure.
Always use sunscreen by applying a thick layer of it on all parts of your exposed skin. Since sunscreen wears off, you should put it on again after sweating, toweling off, swimming, etc. And, even if you tend to stay in sun for over two hours. You also need to apply some even during cloudy, cool days because the rays of the sun go across clouds. Winter seasons mean using sunscreen too, as snow reflects on the UV rays back on you.
Sunscreens are available to purchase in various forms. You’ll find them as sprays, lip balms, lotions, gels, ointments, wipes, and creams, among others. Though, you need to check the label first to make sure they really contain sunscreen.
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Wear protective clothing
Don’t forget to wear the right clothing when you’re out in the sun. This is because it can provide you with various levels of protection you crucially need to prevent too much sun exposure. Wear long skirts, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to cover most of your skin.
Dark colors usually give more layers of protection than the lighter ones. While wet shirts further protect your skin than a dry one. When looking for clothes to wear during sunny seasons, opt for those that are made from denim or polyester since they tend to block the sun’s rays.
Otherwise, try on the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) labeled clothing. They have a special coating that absorbs both UVB and UVA rays. The higher the UPF, the more the garment protects.
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Wear a hat…
A hat with a wide brim (at least two to three inches) is more suggested to wear to protect your ears, neck, head, forehead, and face. A non-reflective, dark underside to the brim helps to reduce sun rays. On the other hand, a shade cap is also a good option to wear during sunny days. It can provide you with a further amount of protection for your neck.
If you have none of these types of hats, you can always go for a baseball cap. In fact, you can try it with a big bandana or handkerchief under it as well. Canvas and other tightly woven fabrics also work best to protect your skin from sun damage.
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…and sunglasses, too!
Invest in UV-blocking sunglasses to protect not only your eyes but also the intricate skin around them. According to research, staying in the sun for too long without protecting your eyes increases your possibility of developing eye diseases. So, make sure to always include sunglasses in your packed bags whenever you’re out!
Look for labels the indicate “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” or “UV absorption up to 400 nm”. These indicate that the glasses are designed to block at least ninety-nine percent of ultraviolet rays. Wraparound and huge-framed sunglasses are possible to offer eye protection from the light that comes in from various sides.
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Eat sun-protection foods
Other than applying sunscreen and wearing protective gear, another way to prevent skin damage is to incorporate natural dietary foods for skin support. There are so many fresh healthy foods available. For instance, mix lutein (found in dark-green vegetables), beta-carotene (found in yellow, orange, and red produce), and carotenoids, which include lycopene (found in watermelon and tomatoes) to minimize the susceptibleness of your skin to UV damage.
Microalgae, shellfish, krill, salmon, and other seafood have a carotenoid pigment called astaxanthin, which significantly contributes to skin health. Fruits like grapes, pomegranate, and berries provide sun-protective polyphenols, while kiwi, oranges, and grapefruit are packed with vitamin C to protect your skin from free radical damage that causes skin aging.
Sweet potatoes, spinach, leafy greens, carrots, watermelon, flax seeds, walnuts, fatty fish, and cauliflower could also help you fight against sun damage and even turn your skin into an anti-wrinkle fortress! Coffee and green tea lovers would especially appreciate the summer or sunny days because consuming any of these beverages can help minimize skin damage from UVA light and lower down the risk of malignant melanoma.
Lastly, if you want to learn more about how our skin works then check out this article on what is skin made of.