How often do you apply sunscreen? Chances are probably not very regularly, even during the summer months. A recent study showed that only a shocking 14% of American men and 30% of American women regularly apply sunscreen before heading outside for more than one hour. Sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to prevent millions of types of cancer every year, yet most of us still fail to slather it on ourselves and wind up with sunburns.
There are other easy ways that you can protect your skin this summer. Read our 7 helpful skin tips below to help you kick off summer right (and safely)!
Don’t Wait Till You’re Outside – We don’t recommend putting on sunscreen right before you step outside. It’s best to wait 20 minutes or more for the SPF to sink into your skin and protect it completely against UV rays. Apply tablespoon or more of a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least SPF 50 and wait for it to do its job before heading out the door.
Freshen It Up – Unfortunately, you can’t apply sunscreen only once and expect it to protect you all day long, especially if you plan on being outside for a long time. Remember to reapply it every 2 hours or every hour if you’re swimming or sweating.
Apply on Cloudy Days, Too – Yes, you’ll want to keep your sunscreen routine even on cloudy days. You can still get sunburned!
Limit Your Time Outside – The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Try to limit your time outside during these hours of the day. If you must be outside, be sure that you’re covered in sunscreen and, if you can, find shade!
Choose a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen – You will want lotion that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Your sunscreen should also have an SPF of 50 or higher and water resistant as well.
Don’t Forget Your Face – Your neck, arms, and legs don’t just need sunscreen – your face does, too! Dab a little sunscreen on your face and ears, and opt to wear a hat that shades your face, neck, and ears. Top it all off with a pair of UV ray-absorbing sunglasses to keep your eyes happy and protected!
Take Extra Precautions if You’re Taking Certain Medicines – Certain types of medication can make you even more sensitive to the sun’s rays. These medications include specific types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapies. Try to stay out of the sun during the middle of the day, and remember to reapply sunscreen often to keep yourself safe.
Remember, even if you have sun damage, it’s never too late to undo what the sun has done to your skin! Call The Lifestyle Center today at (314) 863-5556 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Richard Moore to see how we can make your skin look luminous and glamorous once more! Learn more about our services by visiting us online at www.thelifestylecenter.com.
