The summer sunshine can be very enticing, as a sun-kissed tan can seem to call one’s name throughout the summer months. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the outdoors and indulging in outdoor fun, but it is crucial that you are mindful of skin care while taking in the sunshine.
Sunscreen
One of the best defenses against harsh summer sun is sunscreen. Without some type of skin protectant, overexposure to the sun can lead to extreme sunburn, skin cancer, and a number of other unwanted cosmetic conditions like wrinkling, premature aging, and/or a leathery quality to overexposed skin. It’s clear that sunscreen is an easy answer to this problem. It’s quick to apply and fairly inexpensive. When selecting a sunscreen, you want to be mindful that your selection contains these three major components:
- Waterproof or Sweatproof
- Broad Spectrum – Protects from both UVA and UVB rays
- SPF 15 or higher
For the best results, be sure to apply your sunscreen generously. When in doubt, apply more. Ideally, sunscreen should be applied approximately 30 minutes before going outside. This allows the sunscreen time to soak in as it does its work beneath the surface level of your skin. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas. Another way to combat harsh UV rays is to wear protective clothing and seek shade (avoid direct sunshine) frequently.
Don’t Forget Your Lips!
Many people forget or are unaware that you lips can burn just like the rest of your body. It is important to apply lip balm that is SPF 15 or higher to protect your lips. And don’t forget to reapply frequently while outdoors.
What Does it All Mean?
We frequently see and hear the terms UVA, UBA, and SPF used, but how many of us know what these terms really mean? Not many. So here are the details on all of the jargon.
UVB – These rays affect the top layer of the skin and are responsible for sunburn. All sunscreens protect against UVB rays.
UVA – These rays attack beneath the top layer of skin and are responsible for aging. UVA is not always covered in all sunscreens, be sure to double check that your sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB.
SPF – The Sun Protection Factor describes the amount of coverage provided.
Percentage of Protection from damaging UV rays:
SPF 15 = 92%
SPF 30 = 97%
SPF 40 = 97.5%
We hope you use these tips to safely enjoy the summer sun!
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