Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up some sun. However, it’s important to remember that too much exposure to the hot summer sun can be harmful to your skin. In this blog post, we will offer some dermatologist-recommended tips for skin care in summer. We’ll also help you understand why you should protect your skin in summer to keep your skin healthy, vibrant, and youthful.
Why You Should Protect Your Skin in Summer
It’s no secret that the sun can harm your skin. The sun sends out ultraviolet (UV) rays, and prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin damage. While UV rays are present all year long, they are stronger in the summertime. You’re also more likely to spend time outdoors enjoying the pleasant summer weather, which further increases your exposure. Because UV exposure can lead to premature aging and an increased risk for skin cancer, it is very important to take precautions to protect your skin throughout the summer season.
Ways to Protect Your Skin in Summer
Our dermatologists recommend the following tips to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Tip 1: Apply sunscreen regularly. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, chest, hands, and any area not covered by clothing. Don’t be afraid to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours (or more often if you are swimming or sweating). Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and make sure it is SPF 30 or higher. Bear in mind that no sunscreen can completely block out all UV rays, so you should always combine sunscreen use with other protective measures.
Tip 2: Enjoy the shade. Seek shade wherever possible and avoid being outdoors in direct sunlight for too long. This especially important between the hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are the most intense.
Tip 3: Wear protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and long skirts provide the most protection. In general, darker colors with a tighter fabric weave are a better choice. Some companies sell sun-protective clothing with a layer of UV protective coating (UPF).
Tip 4: Wear a hat and sunglasses. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat helps protect your face, scalp, ears, and neck from sun damage. To shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, look for UV-blocking sunglasses with an ANSI label. Large-framed and wraparound sunglasses are best.
With these helpful tips, you can enjoy the summer sun and protect your skin from damaging UV rays.
For more helpful information, contact Medovate Dermatology at 847.499.5500.