With summer just around the corner, it is important to remind ourselves of sun damage and skin safety. In this article I will discuss various ways of preventing skin damage from the sun (aka photoaging). Some of these methods will be obvious to everyone, but others might not be, so we’ll do a quick review. Skin is the largest organ but it’s also the most conspicuous and exposed, and you should treat it accordingly. There are several things you can do to protect your skin and improve its healthy glow.
Best Ways To Prevent Sun Damage
There are a lot of ways to prevent sun damage, some more effective than others. But if you’re careful, you can prevent a lot of damage, and keep your skin looking great.
Stay Out Of The Sun Or Wear Sunscreen
This is probably the most obvious solution. As you probably know, the sun can cause a great deal of damage to your skin. Even if you don’t go to the beach a lot or lay out directly in the sun, you are still exposed to the sun’s rays on a regular basis. In fact, nearly 80% of your lifetime’s sun exposure is just from coming and going outside, not just tanning. Here is a good rule of thumb to follow: if you are going to be out in the sun for more than 15 minutes, make sure you wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
Wear Sunglasses
One of the main complaints people have about their skin is crows’ feet. These are wrinkles that appear around the eyes. This part of the face needs added hydration and care because it’s so fragile. So in addition to moisturizers and sunscreen, make sure you wear sunglasses that block harmful UV rays from striking your eyes. This protects the health of your eyes and skin.
Minimize Time In The Sun
It’s important to note that the sun is strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If at all possible, minimize your time in the sun during these hours, especially in the summer, if you want to avoid skin damage. If you must be out during these hours (I’m sure everybody does), try to stay in the shade, wear a hat, and/or wear sunscreen for added protection.
Use An Anti-Aging Product
Anti-Aging skin care products are often very helpful in restoring your skin’s health and even repairing skin damage. You want to look for a product that contains things like ascorbic or retinoic acid (also called retinol). Using these products every night or so will help your skin rejuvenate. They also aid skin cell turnover, which starts to slow down the older you get.
Use Window Film On Your Car
Okay, this may sound excessive, but it’s just one more way to ensure your skin stays healthy and free of sun damage. Car windows do block out some UVB rays effectively, but a good portion of UVA radiation does penetrate windows and can, over time, cause skin damage, even if you don’t experience a direct sun burn. Windows on the rear of the car are often unprotected, and since children usually sit back there, it’s a good idea to install some transparent window film. This works to block out nearly all of the UVA and UVB rays.
It’s often just a matter of common sense when it comes to skin protection. Always be aware of the sun’s strength and the level of protection you have at your disposal. It’s a good idea to always pack some sunscreen and a hat in your car, just in case you need it. These steps can go a long way in protecting your skin from the sun.
