People believe that beauty is just skin deep; what matters is what’s on the “inside.” Since our insides are vital, our skin is our first line of protection against the outside world. Your skin will also reveal valuable information about your general wellbeing. Learn to take care of it so that it can continue to take care of you.
Skin serves to shield the body in a variety of ways. It acts as a shield to protect the body from bacteria and other potential environmental threats that may be harmful to human health. So, what do you need to know about sun protection for your skin? Here are five suggestions to bear in mind as the summer draws to a close.
1. Use Sunscreen at all Times
A sun protection factor (SPF) number is assigned to sunscreens to indicate how good they are at blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays. Higher amounts show more security. Even on cold or partly cloudy days, you can use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
When a sunscreen is labeled as broad-spectrum, that means that it protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. UVA rays reach deep into the skin and are mostly responsible for skin cancer and premature aging. UVB rays damage the skin’s surface and cause sunburn.
Remember to apply a dense coat of sunscreen to any visible skin. Get assistance for difficult-to-reach areas, such as the back. Here are a few other items to consider before using sunscreen: Sunscreen fades with time. If you’re going to be in the sun for more than two hours, even if you’ve been diving, sweating, or toweling off, put it back on. Sunscreen has no expiration date with a shelf life of no longer than three years, but it has a shorter shelf life if it has been exposed to high temperatures. Check the expiration date of your sunscreen. Any sunscreen-like chemicals can be used in cosmetics and lip balms. Don’t use them on their own if they don’t have at least SPF 15.
2. Stay Out of Direct Sunlight
Avoid physical events between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you want to have a feel of the touches of the sunlight, make sure to do it beyond these hours as these rays could be unhealthy.
3. Look for a Shade
By finding shade under an umbrella, oak, or other covers, you will reduce the chance of skin damage and skin cancer. And if you’re in the shade, use sunscreen or wear reflective clothes to cover your eyes.
4. Consider Your Attire
UV protection is provided by long-sleeved jackets, long trousers, and skirts. The greatest security comes from materials that are tightly knit. A wet T-shirt has much less UV protection than one that is dry, and darker shades provide more protection than lighter colors. Some apparel is made especially to have UV protection and is accredited according to international guidelines.
If this style of clothing isn’t practical, wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up instead. Keep in mind that a standard T-shirt has an SPF of less than 15, so you would still need additional sun protection.
5. Put on a Hat
Wear a hat with a wide brim that shades your forehead, head, and back of your neck for the best protection. The easiest way to shield the skin from UV radiation is to wear a tightly knit cloth-like canvas. Avoid wearing straw hats with holes that allow light to pass through. A hat with a darker color can provide more UV protection. You can also cover your ears and the back of your neck if you wear a baseball cap. Keep in the shade, wear fabric that protects certain regions, or use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Vitamin D has many health advantages. It can also help to reduce the incidence of some cancers. When you are in the sun, the skin produces vitamin D naturally. How much vitamin D you produce is determined by a number of factors, including your age, skin color, and how hot the sun is where you live.
Doctors don’t exactly know what the ideal vitamin D dose is right now. This is a field where a lot of testing is being conducted. It’s preferable to get vitamin D from your diet or vitamin supplements rather than from sun exposure if possible, since food sources and vitamin supplements don’t raise the risk of skin cancer and are usually more effective ways to get the amount you need. Sunscreen is potentially one of the simplest ways to avoid millions of cancer cases per year.
