4 Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin in the Sun

In this day in age, there is no such thing as a one size fits all skincare routine. However, there are universal truths to conserving and protecting the collagen, elasticity, and health of your skin. If you want to maintain a youthful glow for as long as possible, it is vital that you take into account the importance of sun protection. UV rays are powerful and can really damage the skin in ways that can be irreversible. Before you get to that point, cultivating a routine that incorporates a quality sun protection regime is highly recommended. When you actually take the time to care for your skin, you will experience a huge shift in your skin overall. 

4 Ways to Protect Your Skin in the Sun

1 | Regular Use of Sunscreen

The most obvious yet most powerful way to protect your skin from the sun is by using sunscreen. Most people don't even know when exactly they should reapply the product in a day. This answer all varies on the level of SPF in your sun-protecting lotion has but usually, every 2 hours shall suffice. The more SPF sunscreen has doesn't necessarily mean you don't have to reapply as often, as those rules still apply. It's also vital that you apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and not just right before you step outside. 

Photo by Anastasiia Ostapovych on Unsplash

It takes a good half hour for the product to melt into the skin and for it to be absorbed properly. The reapplying process is just as important as the initial application if not more important. The amount you apply doesn't have to be so heavy, just enough to cover your whole face, neck, and ears. These areas have skin that is more sensitive in comparison to other parts of the body. That is why the formula for facial sunscreen and body sunscreen are completely different.

2 | Use Sun Protecting Makeup Products

Along with the importance of regular application of sunscreen, it's also very important that you use the right brand of sunscreen for your personal needs. Not all sunscreen works the same and are good for all skin types. Like any other product you use for your face, the same rules will apply for your sunscreen as well. If you have oily and sensitive skin, be sure to check if the sunscreen you're using is not oil based and is also non-comedogenic. If you have dry skin, check to see if the product offers moisturizing properties. 

These little details in your sunscreen you probably never even thought twice before to take into account. However, optimal sun protection can only happen when you're using the best possible products for your skin type. Never use the first one that you can find or the one that is the most affordable, because this is the only skin product you will be using more than your moisturizer. Do the necessary research before your purchase and also swatch a sample on your neck to see if you will have any irritations from the ingredients. 

3 | Accessorize with a Hat and Glasses

Accessorizing with a hat and glasses are wonderful ways to optimize sun protection if you have to be out in the sun for a long period of time. Although using a quality sunscreen can be effective, actually shading yourself can do wonders. If you ever notice in Asian cultures, locals use umbrellas when they're out in the sun, and the reason for this is that they know the sun can be very harmful when in direct contact. The sun gives out the most powerful UV rays during 10am-3pm, and so along with your nifty sunscreen, consider accessorizing as well. 

Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash

If you have the option to use a hat, glasses, or umbrella to protect yourself from the sun, do not be shy to do so. You will surely see a difference in your skin when you don't give it too much sun. Though vitamin D from the sun is necessary, you already get what you need from the vitamin within 30 minutes of exposure. That is all you really need, and the lighter your skin is, the less sun exposure is necessary. 

4 | Monitor your Sun Exposure Time

Lastly, be sure to monitor your sun exposure every day. As silly as it may sound, sometimes it can be hard to know how long you're out in the sun. It's relaxing a lot of the time to just bathe for hours. However, doing so can be detrimental to your health especially if you don't have any protection. 

Photo by Bobby Stevenson on Unsplash

Overall, sun protection should be a part of your daily routine that you never forget. Without sunscreen, you will be more susceptible to dark spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Little actions can really go a long way when it comes to your skin, and adding sunscreen is definitely one of them.

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