To maintain healthy skin, it’s crucial to adhere to some essential sun protection and skin care best practices. Here are a few exceptional tips to help you keep your skin looking its best.

The importance of sun protection and how to adequately protect your skin

Winter is finally here! And that means days spent basking in the warm sun, enjoying picnics and barbecues, and taking long walks in the park. But as any registered dermatologist will tell you, protecting your skin from the sun’s deleterious UV rays is essential.

The benefits of using sunscreen

We’ve all been there before. We’re outside enjoying a beautiful day when suddenly we realize we’ve forgotten to put on sunscreen. Or perhaps we’ve applied it but have yet to reapply it after swimming or sweating. Either way, we’re now at risk for painful sunburn. But what exactly is sunburn?

Simply put, a sunburn is a harmful damage to the exposed skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays are invisible to the naked eye but can be deadly nonetheless. UV rays can cause aging of the skin, as well as an increased risk for skin cancer.

So how can we protect our body skin from the harmful effects of UV rays? The best defence is sunscreen. Sunscreen can block up to 97% of UV rays when used correctly. It’s essential to choose a sunscreen that has an Sun protection factor of 30.

By taking these simple precautions, we can help prevent painful sunburns and reduce our risk for skin cancer. So next time you head outdoors, be sure to grab your sunscreen!

How to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type

Choosing the perfect sunscreen for your skin type can be tricky. Whether you have dry, normal, oily or combination skin type, there’s a sunscreen that will protect your skin from damaging UV rays and nourish and moisturize it. Here are some simple tips to aid you choose the best sunscreen for your skin needs:

• Look for broad spectrum protection: Sunscreens are labelled with a “broad spectrum” SPF rating that helps protect your sensitive skin from UVA and UVB rays. Choose an SPF of 15 or higher to get maximum protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

• Consider your skin type: Opt for a cream-based sunscreen with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or squalane for dry skin. If you have normal to combination skin, look for a light lotion or spray that won’t clog your pores. And if you have oily skin, choose an oil-free sunscreen with mattifying properties to help reduce shine.

• Choose the right texture: If you’re looking for an all-in-one product, many sunscreens now come in foundations and tinted creams, so you can get the benefits of both makeup and SPF coverage. However, a liquid or a mist sunscreen might be a better option if you prefer something lighter.

• Go for natural: Look for sunscreens that contain natural, non-toxic ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera and other plant extracts. These can help nourish your skin while providing adequate protection from UV rays.

These tips should help you pick the right sunscreen for your skin type.

Tips for applying sunscreen correctly

• Start with a clean slate: Before applying sunscreen, ensure your skin is freshly washed and free of lotions or oils. These can reduce the effectiveness of your sunscreen.

• Get thorough: Make sure your application is complete, and take the time to cover all exposed areas of skin, including ears, feet and scalp. Remember to apply sunscreen underneath your clothing too!

• Look for the right sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.

• Get creative with the application: Consider using sunscreen sticks to reach hard-to-reach areas like your back, or use a makeup brush for an even application on your face.

• Don’t forget lip protection: Sunburned lips can be painful and irritating. Be sure to gently apply a lip balm with SPF to protect your pout.

 Protect yourself from UV rays with quality broad-spectrum sunscreen and enjoy the summer weather worry-free.

Other ways to protect your body skin from the sun’s harmful rays

• Wear a hat! Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection from the sun’s rays. Look for hats made of tightly woven fabric to ensure your skin is shielded from harmful UV radiation.

• Put on sunglasses! Not only do they make you look cool, but wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help protect your eyes from damage caused by the sun’s rays.

• Stay in the shade! Look for shady spots when you’re outdoors – this will help reduce exposure to UV radiation and keep your skin healthy.

• Avoid tanning beds! Tanning bed use increases a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. Save your skin and opt for a self-tanning lotion instead!

• Check the UV Index! The UV Index measures how intense the sun’s rays are during certain times of day, so check before you head outdoors to ensure you know when it’s most dangerous to be exposed to. Taking the necessary precautions and following these five tips can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays!

Conclusion

Sun protection and skin care are essential year-round, especially during the all high UV season. By following these best practices, you can keep your skin healthy and looking great all season long! Have you tried any of these tips? Let us know in the comments below.

References

Bens, G. (2014). Sunscreens. Sunlight, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer, 429–463. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0437-2_25

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Moloney, F. J., Collins, S., & Murphy, G. M. (2002). Sunscreens. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 3(3), 185–191. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200203030-00005