Staying safe in the sun is so important, especially since we’re now all more conscious of aging than ever before. The sun might feel nice and warm on our skin, but it’s a very dangerous thing that should be taken seriously. Your skin can even come under fire when the sun is hiding behind clouds, and doesn’t look like it’s coming out at all! Want to learn more? Read on…
If you want to protect yourself from skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin imperfections, you really must look after your skin. Although this post is called staying safe in the sun, you need to do it whether it’s sunny or not. Even if there’s a blistering chill outside, the environment can still damage the skin. Don’t think you’re safe just because it’s cold, wet, snowing, or all three. If you get into a routine and pledge to take care of your skin whatever the weather, you’ll enjoy younger, healthier skin for longer. Result! So, what can you do to take care of your skin?
- Wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses. Hats will stop the sun from affecting your face too much, as well as look after your delicate scalp. Sunglasses protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Nobody wants squint lines!
- Apply an SPF to your skin every single day. Yes, you’ll smell like a holiday, but is that a bad thing? Even in winter you should be applying SPF. You don’t need to do a full body application if you’re covering up; just apply to the areas of skin that will be exposed, especially the face. If it’s actually sunny, be very liberal with your SPF and apply it every few hours.
- Remember, getting wet or swimming will make your SPF less effective. This is true even if your SPF is ‘waterproof’. Always reapply after going into the water. You should still apply before going in water; just be sure you give it a chance to sink in first. Also bear in mind that the sun’s rays can have a much stronger effect on the skin when you’re in water, as they reflect back onto the skin. This can cause burning, blistering, and even symptoms of sun poisoning.
- If you’re in a foreign country or somewhere very hot, avoid basking in the sun or being too exposed at certain times. Midday to early afternoon is usually when the sun is strongest. Try to find shade, and keep your SPF application up.
- Spending a lot of time in the hot sun can also bring on things like sunstroke. Make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water, and monitor any headaches or dizzy feelings closely. If you don’t, you’ll soon become dehydrated, and could even faint!
- Be extra careful with your skin if you’re extremely pale. You shouldn’t spend a lot of time in the sun at all.
- Pay close attention to moles and freckles. These can be at risk when a lot of time is spent in the sun.
- Remember to keep up a consistent beauty routine too, cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and exfoliating. You’ll have skin to be jealous of!
Don’t take any risks and use the tips in this guide to stay safe and look beautiful!
Thanks for an informative article! I’m from the “babyoilandiodine” generation…and when you’re young you don’t even give sun damage a second thought. Well, I ended up with skin cancer, had Mohs surgery and was lucky. These day it cannot be stressed enough to be save in the sun. Thanks for bringing this subject up! XOXOXOX!
oh wow, I’m glad you got rid of the cancer. Do you still get regular checkups?
I can’t wait for spring & summer, I’m already over this weather. I always use a SPF when I’m in the sun. These are great tips.
I use an SPF every day – I’m vain and don’t want wrinkles!