DOs and DON’Ts of sun exposure
The sun is great and can actually do a lot of good.
Not only does it regulate sleep cycles but also stimulates the body’s production of vitamin D.
It enhances your overall feeling of well-being.
But there are also a few disadvantages when it comes to the sun. Exposing yourself to the sun regularly can lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer.
Sunshine is often considered as one of the biggest causes of visible aging. But that doesn’t mean you should succumb to the damaging rays. Even if you haven’t protected yourself from the sun in the past, it’s never too late to start.
Many spend their entire summer in the sun. Whether they’re going to the beach or on a hike, they’re exposed to the sun. It’s natural to embrace as much of the sun as you can but just be safe and smart while doing it. Soaking up the sun can boost your mood and your body’s vitamin D level but too much of it can damage your skin.
Here are three dos and don’ts when exposing your skin to the sun.
What are the DOs?
Spend short amounts of time in the sun
If the UVB (ultraviolet B) rays are optimal for vitamin D production, you should expose skin to the sun for about 10 to 20 minutes. Late afternoon is usually the best time for sun exposure. The UVB rays are most likely to reach your skin and boost vitamin D production.
Find or create shade
Time spent in the sun can still be enjoyed without suffering damage. You should just minimise your time spent in the strongest rays. Whenever possible, stand in the shade. That way you can avoid extensive time in the sun. You should also wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants. When you’re outside in the sun, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Choose a safer sunscreen
Your sunscreen will either provide a chemical or physical barrier against the sun’s rays. The ingredients in the sunscreen do matter, so it’s important to look at that. If you see any oxybenzone, octinoxate and homosalate in your sunscreens, don’t buy it. It can alter hormones and cause skin irritation. Synthetic fragrances should also be avoided. Instead, look at the benefits of aloe products and buy a sunscreen that includes that.
And the DON’Ts?
You shouldn’t forget the skin around your eyes, face and neck
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to wear a good hat with a wide and protective brim. You should also consider wearing a neck guard. It’s the best ways to protect the delicate skin of your face and neck. And if you want to protect your eyes from UV damage, wearing sunglasses is a must. When shopping for sunglasses, look for the label UV400 of UV rays. Those type of sunglasses can help you block rays from all sides. And it’s also important to protect your lips, nose and ears as they are more vulnerable.
Don’t forget about sun coming through windows
Many are under the impression that window glass efficiently filters out most UVB radiation. However, it only minimally filters out UVA rays because of its longer wavelength. It can particularly be more harmful since exposure like this provides UVA radiation. And there are no vitamin D benefits from the UVB involved. It’s not beneficial to you. Whether it’s in your home, office or car, you can be exposed to these damaging rays through windows. So it’s important to use appropriate protection wherever you are.
Be aware of cloudy or cold days
Just because you can’t see the sun, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. The UVA rays can penetrate cloud cover and still burn your skin. It can even end up damaging your skin. If it’s not hot but the sun is there, it can also be damaging. So, it’s important to apply sunscreen no matter what type of weather it is.
Some think about sun protection only when they spend a day at the beach or by a pool. But sun exposure usually adds up day after day. And it’ll happen every time you’re in the sun.
So, as you head outdoors, make sure to take care of your skin. Consider these three sun exposure DOs and DON’Ts in order to have healthy and beautiful skin.