Now that summer has officially begun in Southern California we all want to rush to the beach to get that perfect summer glow, right? There’s no better feeling than letting the warm, afternoon rays hit your skin while relaxing on the sand.
The down side? Sun exposure is extremely harmful to your skin and may cause premature wrinkles to form.Even though tanning can make someone more visually appealing in the present, it can create a lot of problems for that person in the future. However, there are ways to take advantage of the summer sun while also keeping your skin safe from harm.
Follow these safe tanning tips to keep your skin healthy and wrinkle-free:
ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN!
We can’t stress this one enough. Many people believe that wearing sunscreen will completely prevent them from getting any kind of color. This isn’t true. SPF, or sun protection exposure, found in sunscreen actually extends the time that you can spend in the sun without suffering from skin damage. It prevents you from “burning rays” known as UVB rays. Sunscreen protects your skin from getting burnt, not from getting any color at all.
Tip: Remember to apply your sunscreen about 15 minutes before you go out in the sun. Don’t wait until your skin is already exposed to the sun to begin applying. Reapply your sunscreen about 30 minutes after you have been exposed to the sun as well. If you are doing any kind of activity in the water, make sure to reapply again afterwards where any sunscreen may have been removed or washed away.
WEAR A HAT AND SUNGLASSES
Many people forget that the skin around their eyes (including their eyelids) is extremely sensitive to the sun. Sun exposure to this area can cause serious damage to the eyes and may lead to the development of eye diseases in the future. Always wear a pair of sunglasses and make sure they are labeled with “UV Absorption”. This means that the sunglasses block your eyes from being exposed to UV rays. It is also recommended that you choose a style of sunglasses that are a thicker frame that wrap around. This will block the UV rays from all angles.
Wearing a hat will protect your entire face from harmful sun exposure. This is especially beneficial to the scalp and ears, which many people forget to apply sunscreen to. Be careful with wearing a baseball style hat. Certain parts of the face as well as the back of the neck will still be exposed to the sun so make sure to take precautions. Opt for one of those stylish, floppy beach hats that have a brim with at least three inches all the way around. This way, you can relax knowing that you are being protected from the sun from every side.
KNOW THE SIDE EFFECTS OF YOUR MEDICATIONS
Certain medications can have side effects that directly have an influence over how your skin will react to sun exposure. Certain types birth control pills and antibiotics will cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun. Make sure to be extra cautious while taking these medications.
WE CARE ABOUT YOUR SKIN!
Here at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, we care about your skin and want you to feel as confident as possible. Make sure you are taking the proper precautions this summer to prevent premature wrinkles and to keep your skin as young and healthy as possible.
