Although we all know that we are supposed to protect our skin year round from sun damage, summer is a crucial time to pay more attention to keeping your skin safe. People generally spend way more time in the sun during the summer months than any other season. So to break it down for you, this is how it goes. UV rays (meaning UVB and UVA) can lead to premature aging, uneven pigmentation. age spots/skin blemishes, weakened immune system, and skin cancer. I don't know about you, but that is definitely enough for me to start thinking smarter about protecting my skin! UVB rays are the culprits for the sunburn you get and UVB rays are responsible for the long term damaging effects. So you want to use a sunblock that blocks BOTH kinds of rays.
Some safe sun tips:
- Try to avoid or limit your time in the sun between 10am and 4pm, as that is when the sun rays are at their strongest!
- Obviously, use sunblock every time your outdoors..even when its cloudy! About 80% of rays hit earth on cloudy days!
- You also should choose an SPF of 15 or higher. 30 or higher is even better! SPF 15 blocks 92% of harmful rays, as SPF 30 blocks 96%
- Apply your sunblock around 20 minutes before sun exposure, as that is how long it takes to process.
- AVOID TANNING BEDS!!
- Also, wearing wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, and covering up are great ways to protect yourself.
- And please, please do not forget to REAPPLY!! Even water resistant types only protect you for 40 minutes during exposure to water. So reapply after swimming, sweating, and toweling off to ensure your still protected.