7 Tips for Protecting Your Skin from the Sun Damage

Did you know that an estimated 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year?

And, unfortunately, the vast majority of these cases will be caused by the sun…

Why would you allow your skin to be damaged when there are easy ways to protect it?

Sun damage continues to build over time…

It can weaken the skins natural barrier, cause it to lose moisture and become dry, and even make breakouts worse – making it almost impossible to eradicate acne due to damaged skin.

You are probably thinking, “I don’t live by the beach, so I am not in the sun that much.”

But, you’re wrong. Sun damage can occur anywhere, at almost any time. Even though it might be a cloudy day, those harmful UV rays are still beating down and slowly damaging your skin.

So, if you are looking to hang on to that young, smooth and soft skin for as long as possible, protect your skin from sun damage by:

1. Wearing sunscreen…every day.
   
   The key is to apply, and reapply, regularly. Since about 80 percent of the average person’s lifetime involves sun exposure, sun exposure is incidental – meaning it occurs during daily activities, not just sunbathing. Try an SPF 30 or higher if you plan to be in the sun for longer than 15 minutes.

2. Moisturizing regularly – even your lips, they age too!
   
   Lip-protection balm should be applied prior to sun exposure and reapplied at least every hour during sun exposure. Your lips are thin-skinned and are particularly vulnerable to painful sunburns and wrinkles that come with aging.
   
   Aside from your lips, repeated sun exposure can also dry out the rest of your skin as it sucks the water and moisture right out of it. Always apply a moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and soft!
   
   Pro Tip: Invest in an SPF that already includes a moisturizer in the ingredients – it will save you a step later, leaving you to only moisturize your lips.

3. Watching the clock if you plan to be outside.
   
   The UV rays from the sun are the strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Keep the time in mind when planning to be outside, extra sun exposure calls for extra precautions.
   
   Pro Tip: If you aren’t sure if the UV rays are strong, check your shadow. If it is very short, it is a sign that it is a bad time to be outside.

4. Wearing a hat for added protection.
   
   Wearing a hat not only provides you added shade for your eyes – which works great in collaboration with sunglasses. But, if also helps protect the skin on your ears, face, and neck from any additional sun.

5. Taking note of areas with reflected light.
   
   Light is easily reflected off of snow, sand, concrete and several other common surfaces found outside. Always be sure to protect surfaces such as the under part of your chin with sunscreen, as an umbrella or shade tree won’t protect the underneath areas of your skin that are affected by reflected light.

6. Knowing the side effects of your prescriptions.
   
   Some prescribed medication can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure and can increase your risk of a sunburn – even some herbal medicines have this same effect. Make yourself aware of any threats from the sun posed by your medication.

7. Investing in UFP protectant clothing.
   
   There are special garments which contain a special coating designed to absorb both UVB and UVA rays. Similar to SPF, the higher the UPF the more protection the item provides. However, regular clothes can also provide a shield from the sun.

Your beauty regime should always include proper care for all your skin – not just your face. After all, you only get the skin you’re in…forever. Take care of it now to avoid irreversible issues with it later.

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