As summertime quickly approaches, so do days spent enjoying pool visits or park trips, barbeques and beaches. These outdoor occasions are exciting, but can also increase your risk of overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is a great time to start taking steps to ensure that your skin is protected from too much sun. Understanding the importance of sunscreen and its role in protecting your skin is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.
UV Rays
How can too much sunlight harm your skin? Overexposure to the sun can introduce harmful UV rays into skin, resulting in sunburn. This sunburn can be irritating and painful, and can even lead to blisters if the exposure is severe. Sun exposure affects elastin and skin cells, weakening skin and leaving it susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines. Too much sun might produce sun-spots or other discoloration. Leaving skin unprotected can even result in skin cancer in extreme cases. This is why it is important to be intentional in seeking methods that regulate your skin’s exposure to sunlight.
Even on cloudy days
How can you best protect your skin from the sun? Even on days when the sunlight isn’t direct, our skin can still be harmed by UV rays. On cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation can reach earth and affect your skin. This is why it is always important to apply a layer of sunscreen. You can apply sunscreen under your daily makeup and add extra protection for your skin if you utilize sunscreen when you know you’ll be outside. Sunscreen can deter sunlight’s harmful effects, as well as reduce the risk of the sunburn we have all struggled with.
What's the SPF?
Be sure be aware of your sunscreen’s SPF, or sun protection factor. Higher SPF is best for days when you will be in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time, such as visiting the pool or the amusement park. Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours or so if you will be in the water! This way you can protect against your sunscreen washing off entirely. You will find that its natural ingredients make it a great sunscreen for many skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What about Vitamin D?
Of course, it is still important that we get some vitamin D from the sun. So how much unprotected sun exposure is too much? According to Healthline, you should spend no longer than 10-30 minutes in the sun without sunscreen, depending on your skin type. This way you can safely introduce some vitamin D to your skin, applying sunscreen after the recommended time.
Keep sunscreen on hand
Sunscreen is an important skincare tool for all seasons, but is especially necessary in the summertime. Be sure to have your sunscreen on hand before heading to your next outdoor event or pool day! This way you can keep your skin strong, healthy and protected while enjoying all your summertime experiences.
