Hello lovelies!
After a long and harsh winter, I bet you all want to go outside during summer and enjoy yourself without boundaries. And you’d be right! With a bright sun and longer days, you just want to remain exposed to the sun forever.
Of course, sure exposure is beneficial because it enables our body to synthesize vitamin D. However, there’s also a harmful side to sun exposure: aging and skin cancer.
How is that possible?
Indeed UV radiation damages the skin’s DNA, which is the first step of skin cancer development . Once UVA rays penetrate in your skin, they damage your skin cells and collagen, causing premature aging of the skin. On the other hand, UVB rays have more effect on the outer layers of the skin, and cause the skin to burn and appear tan.
Overall, excessive sun exposure without protection causes photoaging of the skin, with many signs like wrinkles, laxity, and wrinkles. But skin cancer is the worst news.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, skin cancer is the most common diagnosed cancer in the world. In 2022, 1.5 million new cases were diagnosed, with an estimated 330,000 new cases of melanoma and almost 60,000 people died from this disease.
Therefore, it’s extremely important to protect your skin from the sun in summer, whatever your skin type is. With this article, you’ll learn the protecting your skin from the sun in summer is as easy as 123!
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Protecting Your Skin: A Detailed Guide For Choosing the Right Sunscreen
As we all know now, melanoma is one of the deadliest form of cancer. However, we have good news: with sunscreen, you can reduce your risk of premature aging and skin cancer.
What are the factors to consider to choose the right sunscreen?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, there are three factors to consider when choosing a sunscreen:
- Broad sunscreen: this will enable your sunscreen to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays
- SPF 30 or higher: the higher the SPF, the more protected you will be from sunburn
- Water-resistant: they must stay at least 40 to 80 minutes on your skin. Since sunscreen is not waterproof, you’ll need to reapply it very two hours, after swimming or any sweating from outdoor activities
Physical vs. chemical sunscreens: what should you choose?
Should you choose physical or chemical sunscreens? Here are some pros and cons of both options.
Physical sunscreen
Physical sunscreen sits on top of your skin and reflects the sun’s rays. Its main active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Physical sunscreen is more moisturizing and less irritating for the skin.
However, it is more difficult to blend in the skin, especially if you’re darker because you will always have white casts on the skin. Nevertheless, many brands have addressed this issue and offer matte and tinted versions. You’ll have a smooth and even appearance on the beach or in the city!
Personally, I’d recommend physical sunscreen to people with dry and sensitive skin because of its heavier texture. A good example of physical sunscreen is the CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.
Chemical sunscreen
On the other hand, chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin, and then absorbs UV rays. Also, it converts the rays into heat and releases them from your body. Its main active ingredients are oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate.
Chemical sunscreen quickly absorbs in to the skin and is of a lighter texture. Moreover, its formulation is always water-resistant.
I’d recommend chemical sunscreen for those who have oily/combination skin and sweat a lot. Also, if you play sports on the beach or if you swim a lot, chemical sunscreen is the best option for you.
A great example of chemical sunscreen is the Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+. However, please keep in mind that ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate have become more and more controversial because of their potential ability to cause skin cancer. So, be careful!
What about sunscreen for acne-prone skin?
If you have acne, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t protect your skin! Look for sunscreen dedicated to acne-prone skin, or those containing niacinamide (vitamin B3). The latter is known for improving the skin condition, so don’t hesitate!
If you don’t know what to choose, you may ask the pharmacist to give you several samples of sunscreen. Or go to your dermatologist for professional advice – the best option in my opinion!
Protecting Your Skin: Comprehensive Sun Safety Strategies Beyond Sunscreen
Sunscreen is not the only tool that will protect your skin from the sun in summer. You must also implement several other strategies too! Let’s examine them.
Cover up!
Never underestimate the power of clothing to protect your skin. Indeed, choosing the right clothes can add a decent level of UV protection. I know we all want to wear shorter and tighter clothes in summer, but this isn’t a good idea if you are prone to sunburn.
The best course of action for you is to wear long-sleeve shirts, long skirts and dresses, hats, and long pants. Don’t forget to choose natural fabrics that won’t make you suffocate under the sun. My personal favorite fabrics are cotton and linen.
If you don’t know how to dress, just get inspiration from Middle Eastern men. Indeed, they live under harsh sun all year long, and always wear white long-sleeved clothes! They just proved my point here.
Protect your eyes from the sun
Wrapped-around sunglasses will block 99% of UVA and UVB rays. But you shouldn’t only consider the darker shade of your sunglasses to protect your eyes. When shopping for sunglasses for your vacation, always check the labels.
Labels like “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” mean that your sunglasses will block 99% of UVA and UVB rays. When you see the label “cosmetic”, this means that the glasses will only block 70% of the UVA and UVB rays.
Avoid peak sun intensity hours
Are you panning to have outdoor activities? Then, you must be careful not to expose yourself during specific hours. In particular, the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 am and 2 pm. My mother would even advise me to avoid sun before 4 pm. It’s up to you!
Shade must be your best friend
When I was a child, my grandmother would tell us to come home when we would play under the sun too much. Though it would infuriate me at first, I actually thank her now! She was teaching me the importance of protecting my skin from the sun early…
When the summer is here, you always want to sunbathe to feel the sun’s rays on your skin. And it’s natural after a harsh winter! But you must always look for a spot with shade. Why? Because areas with sand on the beach reflect the UV rays and increase the amount of radiation you receive.
Therefore, if you don’t want to be caught up with a huge sunburn, find a place with shade. Your skin will thank you, believe me!
Nutrition and Skin Care: Protecting Your Skin From the Sun From Within
Protecting Your Skin: Watch what you eat
Protecting your skin from the sun in summer also means that you must pay attention to what you eat. Indeed, a diet rich in skin hydrating foods will be your best friend in summer. In particular, you must focus on foods rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, water, and vitamin D. You will find a list of skin hydrating foods in this article.
Protecting Your Skin: Stay hydrated during the summer
Moreover, don’t forget to stay hydrated: drink lots of water! During summertime, we tend to be easily dehydrated because your body uses more water to keep your temperature cool.
To know if you’re well hydrated, check the color of your urine. If it’s transparent or light yellow, then you’re well-hydrated. However, if your urine is yellow or cloudy, then you must replenish your water intake as soon as possible.
The best beverages I recommend are water of course, and other unsweetened beverages like herbal teas. However, if you want to add some flavor in your vacation, then stick to pure fruit juices full of vitamin C.
Protecting Your Skin: Enhance sun protection with the appropriate skincare routine
Did you know that having a skincare routine was very important in summertime? Indeed, your skin is more exposed to dirt. Also, your sebum reduction might increase during that period. Therefore, it’s essential that you cleanse and moisturize tour skin thoroughly with products appropriate for your skin type.
Moreover, you must exfoliate regularly because this will enable a better action of your sunscreen to protect your skin. Exfoliation will also diminish the appearance of blemishes on your skin, leaving it soft and supple. So, you know what you need to do!
Protecting Your Skin: Have a balanced sun exposure anyway
Despite all I told you regarding the dangers of sun exposure, it still has many benefits for your body. In particular, the sun is the best source of vitamin D! Did you know that most people don’t get enough of vitamin D? Or that 40% of American adults are vitamin D deficient?
And low levels of vitamin D can cause certain medical conditions, such as osteoroposis, cancer, depression, muscle weakness, and even…death! Thus, protecting your skin is important, but not at the expense of your health!
Therefore, you must expose under the sun at least 10 to 30 minutes everyday, at the right time, and with the right tools!
Conclusion: why protecting your skin from the sun in summer matters
To conclude, protecting your skin from the sun in summer is very important to avoid skin cancer and premature aging. To do so, you must choose the right sunscreen and nutritional habits to protect your skin. Also, adopting the right strategies will complement all the right tools you choose to protect your skin from the sun in summer.
Well, that’s it for today! What do you think of protecting your skin from the sun during simmer? What are the strategies you have adopted to protect your skin during this season? Feel free to share in the comments below!
Take care, lovelies!
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The article provided me with practical and actionable advice on enhancing my skin’s protection this summer by combining proper sunscreen use, protective clothing, smart habits, and a healthy diet. Key points included choosing a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapplying it regularly, wearing long-sleeve shirts, hats, and sunglasses, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and planning activities wisely. Additionally, monitoring skin changes and consulting a dermatologist, as well as maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and hydrating foods, can further protect the skin. Consistency in these practices is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing long-term damage. well done!
Thanks !
Great article, I’m so glad you are bringing awareness to this extremely important topic. So many people worry about beauty and in my opinion this is the most important step but I’m also a nurse who never wears make-up. I love that you have provided information for all different types of sunscreen so people can pick what is best for them.
Thanks for your comment!
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits and risks associated with sun exposure, especially during the summer months. It effectively highlights the dual nature of sunlight: while it’s essential for vitamin D synthesis, excessive exposure can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. The author rightly emphasizes the importance of protecting skin through sunscreen, underscoring key factors such as SPF level, broad-spectrum coverage, and water resistance. This practical advice is crucial for readers seeking to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Moreover, the article offers a detailed comparison between physical and chemical sunscreens, addressing their respective advantages and considerations. It advises individuals with dry or sensitive skin to opt for physical sunscreens, which provide a barrier on the skin’s surface but may leave a slight white cast. Conversely, those with oily or combination skin are encouraged to choose chemical sunscreens for their lightweight feel and ease of application. However, the cautionary note about certain chemical sunscreen ingredients potentially contributing to health concerns adds a thoughtful layer of awareness for readers to make informed choices about their skincare regimen.
Overall, this article serves as an informative guide for anyone looking to safeguard their skin while enjoying the summer sun responsibly. It blends practical tips with scientific insights, encouraging readers to prioritize their skin health without compromising on enjoyment.
Loved it. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment! Happy that you loved it!
Thank you for this timely advice on how to protect my skin during the summer. The detailed comparisons between physical and chemical sunscreens are particularly helpful. I appreciate the tips on comprehensive sun safety strategies and the importance of nutrition for skin health. How do you balance getting enough vitamin D from sun exposure while still protecting your skin effectively? It seems like a tricky balance to maintain. Thank you again for sharing this practical guide.
You’re welcome Laura!
This article is a fantastic guide for summer skincare! I learned how excessive sun exposure causes photoaging and the importance of using sunscreen. The comparison between physical and chemical sunscreens was very helpful in choosing the right protection. I also appreciated the tips on transitioning to a healthy lifestyle after winter. This comprehensive advice is just what I needed to keep my skin safe and glowing all summer long. Highly recommend reading for anyone who cares about their skin!
Thanks for your comment Patterson!
The sun can be good, but it can also be our worst enemy when it comes to aging and skin cancer. I tend not to go in the sun, as it is too bright for me, and I have the problem of too little Vitamin D, but I hate to burn and I do that so easily. So now I try and get my daily dose of sun by going for a brisk walk each morning.
This is the first time I have learned about the different types of sunscreen. For a dry skin would you recommend the chemical or the sunscreen?
For a dry skin, I recommend the physical sunscreen. And thanks for your comment!
Thank you for this comprehensive guide on protecting our skin from the sun! I appreciate the detailed explanations of the different types of sunscreens and the additional sun safety strategies. It’s a great reminder of the importance of sun protection, especially during the summer. I especially liked the advice on having balanced sun exposure to get enough vitamin D while staying safe. Not many of us know 40% of American adults are vitamin D deficient. Thanks for sharing such valuable information!
You’re welcome Sharon!
I live in Phoenix, AZ and as you know, the sun is pretty much out for the most part of the year. What products in the market do you recommend at this time for our type of weather? Love your site and the information it provides. Thank you
I live in Phoenix, AZ and as you know, the sun is pretty much out for the most part of the year. What products in the market do you recommend at this time for our type of weather? Love your site and the information it provides.Staying hydrated is one of the precautions we mostly take for granted here in AZ as we don’t really sweat that much due to our dry heat.
Wow, thanks for your comment! I think you should get a sunscreen like the CeraVe one I recommend because it’s one of the best in the market!