Who doesn’t love being in the sun? With winter approaching, sitting under the sun might be one of our favorite activities to do.
Our skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun which positively affects our body’s physical and mental functions. Vitamin D will also help in boosting our immune system and increase serotonin levels in the body.
However, with good things come bad things too. Too much exposure to the sun can cause damage to our skin or cause cancer. The increased Melanin production may tan your skin or cause sunburn by reaching the inner skin layers. You may suffer from blisters, redness, dehydration, or pain.
Excessive Sun Exposure Can Also Cause –
- Skin changes – Some skin cells may form a clump that creates freckles and moles. This may develop into cancer over time.
- Early Aging – The time you spend in the sun makes your skin age faster than normal. Signs of early aging are wrinkled, tight, and leathery skin or dark spots/ sun spots.
- Lowered immune system – White blood cells protect the body from dangerous components. When the skin gets burnt, these white blood cells help in creating new cells which can put your immune system at risk in other areas.
- Eye injuries – UV rays can be dangerous to the tissue in your eyes. They can burn your outer layer called the cornea. They also can blur your vision. Over time, you can develop cataracts. This can cause blindness if left untreated.
- Skin cancer – Not every skin cancer is melanoma. It is very common and also very treatable. Melanoma skin cancer is not as common but is more severe. Skin cancer can spread to other areas in your body, especially if left unattended.
Everyone is at risk of the adverse effects of excessive sun exposure. Your sun threat increases based on the duration and profoundness of exposure. You are in greater danger if you have fair skin or moles. A family record of skin cancer also is a factor. People who labor in the sun all day are at greater risk as well.
However, we can avoid these risks by taking the right steps and protecting ourselves and our skin from the sun.
Protective Measures To Take In The Sun
Choose The Right Type of Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most effective and widely used way to minimize the risks of skin cancer and early aging caused by the sun. Everyone should wear sunscreen whenever they step out in the sun.
When buying sunscreen, it is important to choose the one that will work best for your skin.
Select a sunscreen that has a broad spectrum and offers protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
Additionally, consider a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and is also water resistant.
Apply and Reapply Sunscreen Regularly.
Putting on sunscreen once in the morning will be as good as nothing since it will wear off after a few hours. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours to reduce the risk of sunburn and tanning. The best way for applying sunscreen is to lather it for 15 to 30 minutes before you go out in the sun. After applying it, wait for around 10 to 15 minutes to avoid rubbing off the sunscreen accidentally.
How much sunscreen to apply?
Lather around one teaspoonful of sunscreen on your face and neck and each arm. Double the amount while applying on the front torso, back, and each of the legs.
Wear Protective Clothing.
Covering up yourself before you go out in the sun is a great way to minimize your exposure to UV rays. Different types of clothing will offer varying levels of protection.
You should opt for wearing an outfit made of thick and dry fabric that is much darker in color.
Look for garments that are labeled with a UV protection factor (UPF). A higher number means more protection from UV rays.
Cover Your Head
Limit sun exposure by wearing a scarf or hat with brims at least three inches in diameter for effective protection. Make sure that the scarf or the hat covers and protects all of the areas on your face that may be exposed to the sun, like your ears, nose, and neck.
Protect Your Eyes With Sunglasses.
Sunglasses are vital for protecting your eyes and the skin around your eyes from the sun. Look for sunglasses that say they block 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Avoid The Sun During Peak Hours.
The sun’s UV rays are strongest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Attempt to stay in the shade if you must be outside during that time of day, or avert it all together, if you can.
Seek Shade Wherever You Can.
Staying under shade can be an incredible way to get outside while limiting your UV exposure. Whether you strive to shelter under a tree or set up a tent on the beach, it’s important to find shade, especially during the sun’s strongest hours.
Personal Hygiene
After coming back from being in the sun, make sure to maintain an aftercare routine. Wash your face with a mild cleanser more frequently to prevent oil and sebum accumulation. Don’t use harsh soaps if you have sunburn.
Bath daily to remove any grime accumulated on your body while being outside in the sun.
Collagen Drinks
Collagen is a protein that maintains the elasticity and flexibility of the skin. Due to excessive sun exposure, our skin can lose this elasticity and flexibility due to decreased collagen levels. This is where collagen-unflavoured beauty drinks come as your savior. These collagen-unflavoured beauty drinks will improve your overall skin’s health. It will help in reducing inflammation, redness, Wrinkles, dark spots, ts and fine lines caused by the sun.
Following these tips can effectively protect your skin from the sun and its harmful effects.
