Our skin is a highly sensitive organ, providing beauty and covering for our bodies. This is why we must protect our skin from harm. Although the skin requires protection all year round, particular attention is needed during the summer. This is because our bodies experience extreme heat and dehydration during summer. In this article, we will be looking at how ultraviolet rays affect the skin and the most effective skincare hacks to prevent tanning.
What Do UV Rays Do To Our Skin?
In summer months, the skin is exposed to much more sunlight and UV rays which can have damaging effects.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is non-ionizing radiation emitted from the sun’s rays and artificial sources like tanning beds and welding torches. UV rays from the sun are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm and during the summer months.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays from sunlight causes the skin to darken in an attempt to protect itself from harm. UV rays can cause premature aging and wrinkling of the skin and, in severe cases, lead to skin cancer. You can detect skin cancer early by following dermatologists’ tips for checking your skin. Here is how to perform a skin cancer mole check.
The University of Michigan has a skin check app called UMSkinCheck. It walks you through how to check your whole body, including looking at sites like your scalp and your feet.
Top 6 Summer Hacks to Prevent Tanning
Here are 6 must-know summer skincare hacks to prevent tanning and overexposure to UV rays.
Step Out With Sun Protection Clothing
The most effective way to avoid tanning during the summer is to avoid to much exposure to the sun. As much as possible, stay indoors when the sun is up. Especially in the afternoons. If you need to step out, make sure you are properly equipped to block the UV rays from affecting your skin.
For scenarios where you cannot carry an umbrella with you wherever you go, certified sun protective clothing is the best way to protect your skin. UPF swimwear and other UPF 50+ clothing are designed to act as a barrier between the sun’s rays and your skin, filtering nearly 98% of the UV radiation.
Make sure to stock up on affordable sun-protective clothing to avoid sunburns, excessive tanning, and wrinkles from prolonged sun exposure.
Use Your Sunscreen
It can be difficult to keep staying indoors during the summer, especially when there are lots of fun activities to engage in. So one way to keep your skin from tanning is by using sunscreen. Make sure to apply the lotion generously.
Even if UV protective clothing is more effective than sunscreens since they avoid the need for reapplication every few hours, you still need sunscreen for your face and the back of your hands. These areas are not covered by clothing and hence need additional protection from UV rays.
Hence, the next time you pack for your beach parties, picnics, or lounging at the pool on a hot summer afternoon, make sure to put on your SPF shirts and cover up the remaining areas with an SPF30+ sunscreen. This will make sure that your skin is uniformly protected from tanning and sunburns.
Apply Sunblock
A lot of people mistake sunscreen and sunblock for being the same. However, they are different in the way they function in protecting the skin.
Sunscreen protects the skin by using chemical compounds that absorb the UV rays coming from the sun before your skin can.
Sunblock, on the other hand, protects the skin by forming a physical barrier over the skin and blocking the rays of the sun from getting to the skin. Sunblocks are usually more effective if you’re going to be exposed to the sun for longer periods. Sunblock shirts are great for stepping out on a hot summer afternoon, whether you’re running personal errands or meeting up with friends.
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking adequate amounts of water is beneficial for our whole body. This includes the skin too. During the summer, we lose water rapidly, and this can lead to dehydration.
Drinking lots of water will help the body stay hydrated. A well-hydrated skin will repair itself faster and will not tan easily. Have a water bottle with you so that you can have water readily available throughout the day.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the removal of dead cells from the surface of the skin. It is a great way to keep the skin clean and replenish it. Exfoliating with a gentle scrub can help remove dead skin cells that have resulted from prolonged exposure to the sun, keeping your skin clear and bright. You must, however, ensure that the scrub you use does not contain any harsh material.
This will cause your skin to tear and be even more exposed to danger. Homemade sugar and honey scrubs can be very effective and gentle on the skin. Scrubbing your body twice a week in addition to moisturizing and applying sunscreen, can be a great defense against tanning.
Do Not Forget Your Hats and Sunglasses
Make sure that your face is adequately protected at all times during the summer. Wide-brimmed hats are great for keeping the sun’s rays off your face and also protecting your head and scalp.
You can stock up on protective hats in various colors and designs to add some style to your summer fashion. Sunglasses will also serve to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun when you are out. So remember to always have a pair in your purse to keep your eyes safe.
Conclusion
Preventing tanning during the summer can be an easy journey. You will, however, need the right skincare routine and UV clothing to step out without the fear of sunburns and the risk of skin cancer.
While you’re out and about during the summer, ensure that you are adequately prepared to protect yourself. Make your sunscreen and sunblock constant companions, along with UV protective clothing. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Water will help your skin to replenish faster. Ensure that all your products contain sun protection factors. This will help to protect you against tanning when you’re out for long periods and without your sunscreen lotion. Above all, avoid the sun when you can.
FAQs
Q: How much protection does UV protection clothing offer?
A: UV protection clothing is very effective for protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays. They block out 98% of the sun’s harmful rays from reaching your skin.
Q: Will I need to use sunscreen along with UPF 50+ sun protection clothing?
A: Yes, you will need to use your sunscreen. UPF 50+ sun protection clothing is not a replacement for sunscreen. Rather, they work together to ensure that every part of your body is protected.
Q: What clothing variations does women’s UV protection clothing offer?
A: You can find everything, from everyday clothing to swimwear, including travel clothes, hats, and hoodies.
