Summertime is here, and the sun’s rays are warming up pools, lakes and beaches all around us. Not only does the sun feel good on our skin, giving us that Vitamin D we’ve been missing all winter, but it can deliver something most people long for this time of year — a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow.
After all, it’s no fun wearing that perfect sundress without a great suntan to compliment it.
The sun sure does get a bad rap these days. With skin cancer awareness at an all time high, the sun’s benefits are sometimes forgotten. In addition to providing us with Vitamin D which is essential for strong bones and other body functions, the sun also boosts our mood and gives us energy.
Still, we know that overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause serious damage to our skin, so how much sun is too much?
How can we find a balance so that we’re able to reap the sun’s benefits without suffering from it’s damaging effects?
It’s all about knowing and owning your own skin. We all have a built-in, natural protection from the sun called melanin. The fairer your skin, the less melanin you have (and the quicker you will burn). In fact, experts agree that a very fair-skinned person can experience sun damage after just 5-10 minutes of direct sun exposure.
Yikes!
But, if you have darker skin, you can afford a little more time before damage occurs.
The key, whether naturally dark or freckled and fair, is to be aware of your skin’s sun tolerance.
It is possible to achieve that coveted summer tan while keeping your risk of sun damage low.
Here are 7 tips for getting your glow on safely this summer:
Know When To Lotion Up
Most of us don’t need to slather on sunscreen every time we step out the door. Genetics and skin color all play a part in determining your personal sun-safe practices, so knowing your own sun tolerance is key.
If you are walking from the house to the car or the car to the office, leave your skin bare so it has the opportunity to soak in some Vitamin D — unless you are fair-skinned and prone to acquire a sunburn very quickly. In that case, you probably need to wear a light SPF sunscreen even for short bouts in the sun.
If you do plan on being out in the sun for a prolonged amount of time, be sure to choose the right sunscreen. A strong level of protection is best for activities that keep you in the sun for long periods of time. That means when you head to the pool or the beach, reach for SPF 30 or above.
What kind? Most sunscreens fall into 2 categories, natural and chemical. Natural sunscreens use minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead of harmful chemicals to guard against the sun.
The drawback to these sunscreens is that they don’t absorb into the skin quite as well as their chemically-laden cousins. They tend to leave a white film over your skin. Because of this, most people do not use enough of them. If you do choose a natural sunscreen, cover your skin completely.
How much? When you are going to be outside long enough to warrant sunscreen use, make sure to sunscreen liberally. A good rule of thumb for an average-sized person is to use about a shot glass full of sunscreen each time you apply.
How often? If you are using a conventional sunscreen, your first application should go on 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. However, if you choose a natural, mineral-based sunscreen, the lotion is effective right away. (Bonus for the natural option!)
You’re not done yet! To stay protected, reapplication is key. Be sure to keep applying that sunscreen every two hours as long as you are exposed. If you think you’ll forget, set a timer on your phone or reapply each time you take a restroom break.
Don’t forget your feet! They are the most commonly forgotten body part when putting on sunscreen.
Cover Up
The safest way to keep your sun exposure down is by covering up. Do this by simply wearing clothes that provide a barrier between you and the sun. There’s a wide variety of clothing options that will block the sun’s rays while keeping you looking and feeling cool. Loose fitting, woven, synthetic fabric such as nylon and lycra offer excellent protection.
If you are looking for even more defense, try clothing with built-in sun protection. (Yes, that is a thing!) The tag will include the clothing’s UV protection factor. Just be sure to choose one with a UPF of at least 30.
Show Off Those Shades
The areas of your body most sensitive to the sun are your scalp, face, and shoulders. In fact, these areas are where skin cancer often forms (although cancer lesions can appear anywhere on the body).
Your eyes can also take a beating from the sun. Eyes that have had prolonged exposure to UV rays are more likely to form cataracts and even macular degeneration.
Thankfully, it’s easy (and fashionable) to protect these areas. Add a cute pair of sunglasses like our polarized Felis Vintage Cat Eyes Sunglasses with 100% UV protection to protect your peepers. Then, throw on a wide-brimmed hat that shades your scalp, face, and neck.
Bonus? The hat will also protect your hair from drying out in the sun.
Avoid Peak Sun
They say timing is everything, and this is true with sun exposure as well. If you are spending the day outside, try to avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Instead, plan those pool parties for late afternoon or evening.
Heading to the beach? Be an early riser and hit the sand first thing in the morning. Not only will your skin thank you, but you will avoid the mid-day crowds.
If you do decide to bask in the sun during that 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. window, look for every opportunity to take frequent shade breaks. With a great beach umbrella, you can stay sun-safe while still enjoying the cool ocean breeze and the sounds of the waves.
Boost Your Sun Protection
Did you know some of your favorite summertime foods can actually help prevent sunburns?
Watermelon, for instance, is packed with a natural chemical called lycopene. This substance, also found in cooked tomatoes, guava, papaya, and red grapefruit, has a powerful component that can actually help your skin protect itself from damaging UV rays.
Don’t skimp on your green tea either! Along with strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, it contains powerful antioxidants called catechins and polyphenols.
These little skin-protecting ninjas ward off damaging UV rays. The most effective of these substances is the polyphenol known as epigallocatechin–3–gallate. (We’ll call it EGCG for short). It’s shown to have promising anti-carcinogenic effects. You can read more about this important super antioxidant here.
Hydrate
While hydration alone won’t prevent sunburns, you can’t really achieve that gorgeous summer glow with dry, cracking skin can you?
Drinking plenty of water is important for the overall health of your precious epidermis. It will make your skin appear healthy and at its best. Your skin will be more pliable and less likely to flake and chap. When your skin is healthy and hydrated, it’s more prepared to repair itself after sun exposure.
In addition to drinking water, be sure to moisturize your skin after you return from your day in the sun. Hydrate from the outside in with lotions that include aloe vera to calm inflamed skin which may have been overexposed. There are so many great after-sun products to choose from, here are just a few of our favorites!
Faux Your Glow
Yes, it is still possible to have glowing summer skin and keep sun damage at bay. If the dark, bronzed look is what you crave, here are some safer options:
- Self-tanning lotion. Head to your nearest drug store and you’ll find rows of products that safely tint your skin with a sun-kissed glow. Be sure to exfoliate very well before evenly applying these products, or you may end up with blotchy spots and streaks. Try one of these affordable self-tanners listed here.
- Bronzer. If your face just needs a touch of sun, try a bronzer! Today’s bronzers give a much more realistic glow than the bronzers of the past, so don’t be afraid to give them a go. This may be the easiest way to temporarily transform yourself into a golden-hued goddess. Intimidated by the process? Here is a step-by-step bronzer tutorial by Redbook that will have you glowing in no time.
How do you plan to get your glow on safely this summer? Share in the comments!
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