How to Protect Your Skin This Summer

Summer is almost here once again. Longer days and glorious sunshine. We just can’t wait.

But before we ditch the layers and whack on the swimsuits, it’s essential to learn how to keep your skin safe. Find out how to protect your skin from the dangers of the sun, and prepare for a summer to remember.

The Importance of Sun Protection

Photoaging

Having a tan may make you feel like a golden goddess. But it’s only temporary. The tan will be quick to fade. But the damage to your skin won’t be. After all, a tan is sun damage. And sun damage is no joke. 

Too much time in the sun unprotected will cause premature aging of the skin. It causes dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and worsening fine lines and wrinkles.

So while having a tan may make you feel pretty, the aftermath can be pretty ugly. Damaging the skin and aging you beyond your years.

Burning

If your skin doesn’t have adequate protection, you may end up sunburned, which is, of course, dangerous. But it also makes you miserable. 

It can disrupt your mood, interrupt your sleep, and ruin an outfit. It’s uncomfortable and painful. And let’s face it, being a shade of angry red is never a good look.

Skin Cancer

While the pesky dark spots and sunburn are real issues, they are surface-level. What’s most important is protecting ourselves from skin cancer.  

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Each year, around 6.1 million adults are treated for squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas. 

While those statistics are scary, there are ways you can protect your skin. Reduce the risk by learning the best ways to protect your skin this summer.

Ways To Protect Your Skin This Summer

Wear Sunscreen

It’s important to protect yourself all year round, but especially in summer. Whether it’s cloudy or rainy, or you’re not leaving the house. SPF is your skin’s best friend.

Even if you’re driving your car or near a window, you can still be exposed to UV rays. So it’s best to wear SPF every day, no matter the plan of action.

Top Tips for SPF:

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum means that it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
• It’s important to use an SPF of at least Factor 15. The higher the number, the more protection from harmful UV rays.
• Reapply around every two hours. This is super important if swimming or sweating. It will ensure you are protected at all times.

An SPF like Sun Shield by MiamiMD is ideal. It can help you stay protected whilst helping your skin look its very best. With SPF 40, it has more than double the recommended amount of SPF- keeping you safe and at less risk of sun damage.

Protective Gear

This doesn’t mean wearing a puffer jacket in the baking sun. Or having to look like a fashion victim. You can still stay cool and stylish, whilst protecting yourself from harmful UV rays. 

• Hats
  The ideal hat for sun protection is brimmed the entire way around. Protecting and shading your ears, neck, and face. The darker the color, the better the UV protection.
  Although a straw hat may look cute, it won’t offer the best protection. Anything woven with holes can let sunlight through. So think brimmed, dark, and solid to ensure your skin is safe.
• Clothing
  The good news is there are many cute ways to cover up in summertime. Whether that’s a sexy long-sleeved shirt or a cute bikini cover-up, we can protect vulnerable areas of the skin even more by adding light but efficient layers. And still look fresh and fashionable.
• Sunglasses
  You’re going to want to rep the sunglasses. Ones that offer both UVA and UVB protection. Thankfully, that’s mostly all sunglasses sold in the US.
  They also can be the finishing touch to a cute, summer outfit. All while providing essential protection from sun damage to the eyes. Truly the best of both worlds.
  Wearing sunglasses reduces the risk of cataracts. Plus. reducing the risk of sun damage in this area… lessening pesky crow’s feet too.

Avoid The Sun At It’s Peak

In most of the US, the sun is at its most intense around 10 am to 4 pm. This is usually when your skin is most vulnerable to UV rays. So it’s best to avoid the sun when you can during these prime sunlight hours. 

You can always use the UV index to ensure extra safety. If the UV is above 3 in your location, it’s best to avoid the sun and its dangers.

Seek Shade

If you are out and about on a hot day, search for shade where you can whether that’s an umbrella or parasol, or a big tree. Shade will be your friend when it comes to protecting yourself and your skin from sun damage.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential all year round. But especially on a sunny day. And we are not just talking about drinking lots of water. 

It’s about keeping your skin hydrated too. That’s why it’s important to have a sun-smart skincare routine. Keep your skin glowing and healthy all summer long… and all year round.

Finally

Summer can still be your favorite time of year with these tips to protect your skin. Sunshine and Vitamin D, what could be better? Especially now you know how to keep yourself safe.

Protect yourself from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of skin cancers. All while keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy.

You can always look like a golden goddess, no matter the season, with a self-tanner. So there’s no need to take risks. It’s a win-win.

Create a sun-smart skincare routine with the help of MiamiMD. Slather on the sunscreen and rock the shades. It’s almost summertime and time for a summer of fabulous skin.

Sources:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm#:~:text=You%20can%20reduce%20your%20risk,you’re%20in%20the%20shade

1. https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/tips-for-protecting-your-skin-this-summer 

1. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/9-tips-to-protect-your-skin-this-summer/ 

1. https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/enjoy-summer-and-protect-your-skin