STAYING SAFE IN THE SUN THIS SUMMER
STAYING SAFE IN THE SUN THIS SUMMER
After months spent wrapped up in our winter coats and boots, most of us are craving sunshine and the chance to wear floaty dresses with sandals by the time summer starts.
We are now moving towards June, the month when it begins to feel like summer has officially started. Magazines, the internet, and social media platforms frequently remind us why it is important to protect our skin and avoid excess tanning.
During my teens, I was convinced that protecting your skin was only a priority if you were lazing on a beach in the Caribbean with a good book in hand, because as far as I was concerned, that’s where the real sun was!
Of course, that couldn’t be further from the truth because even though the UK doesn’t reach tropical temperatures, the sun is still very much present and equally capable of damaging our skin. It’s the reason why, later in life, I am much more conscious about protecting my skin….and why I want to remind you to do the same.
It is so easy to talk about the negative side of sun exposure but there are also positives. Vitamin D comes from the sun and is good for us. The sun has also been proven to positively boost our mood and wellbeing because it causes the release of the hormone serotonin which can provide a sense of calmness, support depression, and help manage anxiety. It can also strengthen the immune system and contribute towards bone health. More reasons to appreciate the sun and the benefits it provides us with.
With so much information available around SPF, UV rays and when we should protect our skin, sometimes it can be a little overwhelming sifting through different sources of information, so I want to break down the terms to make it simple and share some of my tips on how you can stay safe this summer…
Let’s start at the top. What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Often, when you go to purchase sun cream, it’s the first thing you’ll notice on the bottle because brands know it’s an important part of your decision making. The number (which can be as low as 15 or as high as 100) represents how much you are protected by the sun’s UV rays. For example, a factor 50 sun cream protects you from 98% of UVB rays whilst factor 30 protects you from 97% of UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend using a minimum of SPF30.
UVB Vs. UVA – What’s the difference?
There are two types of UV (Ultraviolet) rays and the two you are most likely to be familiar with, are UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays have longer wavelengths and penetrate deeper into the skin, which can lead to long term damage such as ageing skin and wrinkles. UVB rays are the opposite and have shorter wavelengths and cause the skin to tan as it affects the top layer of the skin – the epidermis. As you know, aside from the glow you get from a tan, exposing your skin can cause burning and redness.
Top tips for staying safe in the sun
The suns rays are at their strongest between the hours of 11am and 3pm, therefore if there is a time when sun cream is vital, it’s during this period. Also, seek shade as much as possible during this time.
Invest in a good sun cream and make sure you use on all parts of your body. Experts often recommend an SPF of at least 30 and one which is water resistant and a known, high street brand.
Always apply sun cream at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, as this gives it time to penetrate and work it’s way into the skin. Also, do not forget to reapply every 1-2 hours as once a day isn’t enough. Topping up is vital!
The body loves water so make sure you drink lots of H20 throughout the day to stop yourself getting dehydrated.
We are all guilty of reaching for that bottle of sun cream already on our dressing table from last year, but did you know that sun cream can go out of date? Purchase a new bottle every year to avoid the risk of using a product that won’t protect your skin.
Sun cream isn’t the only way that you can protect yourself. Wear a hat to protect your scalp, a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes and loose clothing that keeps you cool and does the job of keeping you covered.
Some makeup brands have an SPF; however, it is not enough, especially if you are likely to be in the sun for long periods of time. Makeup provides you with extra protection but isn’t enough on it’s own.
The sun is still present on days when you feel like it isn’t. Why? Because UVA and UVB rays pass through the clouds and can still cause harm to your skin, so if you are someone that wants to stay protected, remember to use an SPF all year round. Your skin will thank you for it later….
@being_just_us
