As the summer season starts, it time once again to brush up your sun-safety practices and get set to beat the heat. With the continuing increase in the number of skin cancer cases, it has become extremely important to protect your skin against the negative effects of the sun.
Still, not many can resist the temptation of flocking to the beach or outdoor activities. This is why you need to know smart sun care ways. Bask all that you want, but make sure your skin stays protected against the harmful UV rays. Here are some tips:
1. Triple Sun Protection
If you plan to spend a lot of time out in the sun, like at the beach or tennis courts, make sure you lather on a triple layer of sun protection....
Cleanse your skin and apply an antioxidant based product to protect against free radical damage.
Apply a chemical sunscreen that prevents the sun rays from causing intrinsic damage. Consider using a double duty product like La Roche Posay Anthelios SX, a moisturizer plus sunscreen.
Top it off with a water and sweat resistant sun block, preferably one containing zinc oxide that will reflect most rays away from the skin's surface.
2. Use Broad Spectrum Formulas
Use a sunscreen formula that shields against the UVB as well as the UVA rays of the sun. Some of the ingredients to consider are:
UVA Blockers - Mexoryl, Helioplex 360, active photobarrier complex, Avobenzone
UVB Blockers - Homosalate, Octosalate, Octylmethoxycinnamate
UVA & UVB - Octocrylene, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide.
3. Re-apply Every Couple of Hours
In order to ensure all-round sunscreen protection, you need to re-apply your sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you are spending a lot of time outdoors. In fact, a general guideline is using a shot glass full of sunscreen over your whole body.
4. Use Half Teaspoon Sunscreen on your Face
If you do not apply enough sunscreen, it is not going to provide adequate protection. Ideally, use half teaspoon of sunscreen on your face.
5. Consider Powder Formulas for Oily Skin
If sunscreens feel rather oily on your skin try using powder formulations like iS Clinical SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen, a powder sunscreen available in translucent base and sun medium. It is a special nanotechnology formulation containing 25% titanium dioxide and 20% zinc oxide and provides sun protection against a vast spectrum of sunlight.
6. Wear Protective Clothing
While venturing out, try to wear long sleeves. Also, carry a hat or an umbrella to shield you from the damaging rays of the sun.
7. Eat a Fresh & Balanced Diet
Summer brings with it a variety of fruits and vegetables. So lay your hands on some fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables like pomegranate and blueberries. This will not just keep your skin hydrated but also supply essential vitamins and antioxidants.
8. Avoid Sun Susceptible Ingredients
If your skin is highly susceptible to sunburn, avoid using skin care products that contain glycolic or salicylic acid when you go out in the sun. These ingredients increase skin sensitivity to the sun and may cause a stinging sensation when you sweat.
9. Keep yourself Hydrated
Drink a lot of water and be careful if you drink alcohol or citrus beverages outside. Citrus fruits tend to make your skin more sun sensitive, while alcohol can dehydrate the skin. So, water is best.
10. Avoid Peak Hours
The sun's rays are the strongest during 12 am to 4 pm. So make sure you try to avoid this time of day in the direct sun! Try to schedule your outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
Enjoy the summer, but remember to take care of yourself as well!
Naomi Andrews is a professional esthetician and skin care expert. She has in depth knowledge of various skin care procedures and writes articles to inform women about the various nuances of sun care and skin care products for sensitive skin.