This summer is going to look different than any other summer in history. The normal routine has been drastically upended as the world deals with the global pandemic. But for many, getting out to the beach is still a necessity. Some folks can’t wait to pack up their gear and hit the nearest body of water. Others want to partake, but also have other things to worry about, like skin that burns easily. Fortunately, the two are not mutually exclusive. You can be sensitive to the sun and still catch ample outdoor time this summer–the trick is knowing how. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for beach season this summer.
(Photo by Federico Giampieri on Unsplash)
Whoever decided a beautiful golden tan was one of the indications of good health must have had a screw or two loose. While the lucky few among us obtain a beautiful bronze sheen after a summer day outside, many others have to contend with debilitating and potentially dangerous sunburns even from spending a few hours out. Today, though, we’re here to offer some tips on how you can protect your skin and eyes while you catch some rays.
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
Did we mention sunscreen? It’s going to be your saving grace when it comes to sun protection, especially on your face. The sooner you start regularly wearing sunscreen, the less likely you’ll have to deal with saggy, dry skin in the future. As everyone knows, a higher SPF number means more substantial, more extended protection. But what does SPF stand for? As you might have guessed, it stands for sun protection factor, and it measures how effectively sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays. Most experts recommend re-applying a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen every two hours. Just make sure you don’t underapply; applying just half the sunscreen amount will only give you the square root number of SPF. That means a half application of SPF 30 sunscreen will only give you an SPF of 5.5. Don’t forget to slather up!
Sunglasses make a difference
UV rays don’t discriminate against eyes, either. Excessive sun exposure to your eyes can irreversibly damage the retina, lenses, eyelids, and cornea, which means you’ll have to add sunglasses to your beach supply list. Sunglasses block these harmful rays from entering your eyes, but there are a few things you’ll want to look for while browsing. Look for sunglasses with 100% UV protection and polarization. Polarization reduces glare and, therefore, lets the sunlight go a little easier on your eyes. Furthermore, wraparound-style sunglasses will protect your eyes at all angles, making them great for wearing around bodies of water, which tend to reflect sunlight.
Sun shirts
The right clothes can also help guard you against UV rays. Sun shirts made of lightweight cotton and linen may help your body breathe better, but they might not provide the best protection against the sun. Opt for synthetic fabrics with cooling and quick-dry technology, and don’t forget to look for shirts with UPF numbers. UPF is to clothes what SPF is to sunscreen; it measures how well the fabric protects you against UV rays.
It’s good to know that even if you have sensitive skin, you can still step out in style this summer. You don’t have to sacrifice your skin for a fun summer day, and vice versa. Thanks for reading, and we hope you learned a little more about the precautions you can take to preserve your skin in the sun.
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