We all like to spend time in the sun but, at the same time, we acknowledge the importance of protecting our skin against the harmful action of UV rays. When proper protection is not ensured, the Skin suffers from premature aging, with fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots appearing sooner than it is necessary. To come to your assistance, we have gathered no less than seven tips, destined to help you protect your skin while having fun in the sun.
#1 Apply sunscreen with regularity
While this might sound like the obvious thing to do, there are plenty of people who disregard the importance of sunscreen application. It is recommended to opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, one that guarantees protection against both UVA and UVB rays. You should also strive to choose a sunscreen that is suitable for your skin type; for example, if you know yourself to have oily skin, find a sunscreen that is less greasy but delivers nonetheless the needed protection. And, yes, sunscreen should be applied all year round, including in the winter or when it is cloudy outside.
#2 Limit sun exposure
It is important to understand that sun damage builds with the passing of time. The more you expose yourself to the sun, and especially during the summer (peak hours from 10 am to 4 pm), the bigger the risk for the premature aging of the skin and the unfortunate dull complexion. The key to protecting your skin is to limit the amount of sun exposure, particularly when the sun is up in the sky. If you have to be outside, make sure to seek out the shade and wear protective clothing, as well as a broad hat and UV-protection sunglasses.
#3 Protect yourself from the reflection of the sun as well
If you ever visited a ski resort during the winter, you were probably amazed at how the sun glistened on the snow. This kind of reflection can be quite damaging to the skin, so you need to avoid it. You should wear sunscreen at all times and protective gear as well, to reduce the risk of sunburns and subsequent skin damage. During the summer, pay attention to how much time you spend in the water, as the reflection of the sun can be just as powerful and damaging as in the snow.
#4 Pay attention to the medication you are taking
It is important to know that the medication you are taking can increase the level of photosensitivity and, thus, lead to sunburns and additional skin damage. Among the medication that can lead to such problems, there are antibiotics, such as tetracycline and diuretic medication. Herbal medication can lead to photosensitivity, so you might want to pay attention to any supplement you are taking. Always discuss with your attending physician, before exposing yourself to the sun, so that you stay safe.
#5 Include more foods with antioxidant properties in your diet
During the summer, we tend to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, which is a great thing for our health. If you want to protect your skin against the damage done by UV rays, it is recommended to include more foods that have antioxidant properties. Among the preferred choices, there are grapes, berries, nuts, dark green veggies, sweet potatoes, oranges, and carrots. Antioxidants can protect the skin and the rest of the body against the damage caused by free radicals, which are produced as a result of constant/prolonged sun exposure.
#6 Do not spend too much time in the water
Summer equals fun at the beach and a lot of that time is spent in the water. When in contact with salty water, the skin tans more easily and, thus, the more time you spend in the water, the bigger the risk for subsequent damage. For this reason, you should opt for a sunscreen that offers protection, including for the time spent in the water. Secondly, you should refrain from spending too much time in the water, especially if you are fair-skinned and prone to sunburns.
#7 Ensure additional protection for sensitive areas
You need to ensure additional protection for highly sensitive areas, such as the ears, nose or feet. For the face, it is recommended to choose the sunscreen with high SPF, preferably around 50. As for the feet, it is advisable to apply sunscreen with generosity, to reduce the risk of sunburns. Keep in mind that the sand is a surface that reflects the sun as well, so avoid spending too much time at the beach, especially during peak hours.
These are a couple of tips, which are meant to help you enjoy yourself while in the sun, without any additional risks for your skin. You should also consider using the best wrinkle creams, either to protect the skin from additional damage or to minimize the already-present signs of aging.
Video- Must Watch: Photoaging: Prevention and Treatments You Need to Know
Via- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9i7tH3-noE
Author Bio
Kathy Mitchell was born in the USA. She has done MA in English Literature. She loves to publish her articles on different health and beauty websites. She is contributing to Consumer Health Digest. Follow her on Google+, Facebook and Twitter.