On a beautiful sunny day, it is a natural reaction to want to do some sunbathing. This is especially so after the cold months of winter. However, there are many reasons why many dermatologists advocate for limiting your sun exposure!
If you are older, it can be easy to dismiss concerns about aging skin as compared to people in their twenties. However, sun damage does more than just make your skin look older. In fact, the older we grow, our skin is less likely to be able to protect itself from sun damage and skin cancer. In order to reduce the negative impacts of the sun on our skin while sunbathing, here are four tips to ensure that your skin is well protected before your next sunny day excursion.
Apply Sunscreen Before and During Sunbathing
As mentioned, as we age, our skin becomes more vulnerable and delicate. The fact is that so long as you expose your skin to UV rays, you are causing harm to the cells, and this can lead to detrimental issues in the future. The best way to mitigate this is to apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30. In fact, sunscreen should be an important part of your daily routine regardless of whether you are going out or not.
If you are planning to stay in the sun for an extended period of time, it is also important to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. This is especially so if you are sweating or have been exposed to water.
Avoid Getting a Tan
Getting bronzed and tanned skin is a quintessential part of summer or a holiday in a tropical country. However, the fact is that you do not need to have a red and painful sunburn to have endured damage. As long as you have developed a tan, it is a sign from your body that harm has already been inflicted and that you may be at risk of skin cancer. Especially for those who tan or get sunburnt often in their lifetime, it is important to stay out of direct sunlight where possible and apply sunblock as protective measures.
Look for Shady Spaces
This does not mean that you just avoid leaving your home forever. In fact, small amounts of sun are important for the production of vitamin D as well as other benefits. What this means is that it is a good practice to try to avoid direct exposure to the sun for prolonged periods of time. This means either using an umbrella, sunshade, or other forms of protective attire to shield yourself from the sun in open areas. If possible, try to stick to shady-covered areas. If you are choosing to sunbathe, try to do so at a timing where the sun is not as strong, especially during the summer.
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