Avoiding Sun Damaged Skin this Summer

We all love the summertime with sunshine and more time spent enjoying the outdoors, but the one thing that threatens to hold back our fun is sun-damaged skin.

Not only is it frustrating, but it can only lead to dangerous troubles down the road. Fortunately, you can take critical steps to avoid sun-damaged skin in the summer without compromising your enjoyment of time spent outside.

Sun-damaged skin can come in many forms. Some of the most common, which you can attempt to avoid by following the tips in this article, include dry, wrinkled skin, easier bruising, heightened potential for skin cancer, and more.

Help Prevent Sun Damaged Skin with Sunscreen

The most important, and likely the most obvious, step in preventing sun-damaged skin is to be consistent and diligent with sunscreen application. This means applying it liberally, not only on the sunniest of days but every day.

Experts recommend applying a minimum of one ounce of sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Additionally, you should reapply sunscreen about every two hours and even more frequently if spending time in or on the water.

It is also essential to select the sunscreen that’s right for you and your unique skin type. Broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays and are water-resistant with an SPF above 30 are most recommended by experts.

When making choices to help prevent sun-damaged skin, take note of the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens. The critical contrast between the two is that mineral-based sunscreens reflect UV rays while chemical sunscreens absorb them. There are, however, other considerations to keep in mind, and it’s always an excellent choice to do some research to decide which sunscreen is suitable for their skin type.

Using Summer Style to Protect Yourself

A less obvious way to avoid sun-damaged skin in the summer months is using warm-weather fashion to your advantage. The fashion specifics include certain sunglasses and hats to protect your eyes and skin. In sunglasses, look for styles that provide both UVA and UVB protection. Sporting these all summer long will provide an extra layer of protection for the skin around the eyes while protecting your eyes from damaging rays, too. Add a hat with a wide brim for a stylish summer look that also helps to protect your ears, neck, and face.

Although sunscreen is the most effective and recommended protection from sun-damaged skin, everyone loves a cute pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed summer hat, right? It's the perfect way to try some new fashion trends and stay safe in the sun.

What if You Already Have Sun-Damaged Skin?

If your skin has already become sun-damaged and it needs a little TLC, consider adding retinol or bakuchiol to your skincare routine to target those symptoms. Both ingredients are soothing while helping to re-hydrate and minimize the effects of sun damage.

Ultimately, sun damage is a risk we all take to enjoy time outdoors in the sunshine and warm weather. Because no one wants to experience the adverse and potentially dangerous side effects of too much sun exposure, we recommend you use all of the tools at your disposal to avoid it. Wear your sunscreen, try new sunglasses designed for extra protection, find a stylish wide-brimmed hat, and be diligent. Your skin will thank you!