Using sunscreen during the summer is essential to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The summers in India are often very ruthless. The most important thing to understand is that nobody is excluded from the use of Sunscreen. People who tan easily, people who don’t, fair skinned, dark skinned, children and everybody else, should use it if you are going to be exposed to the Sun.
The UV rays from the sun are one of the major enemies of our skin! While Vitamin D is necessary, these UV rays damage our cells which results in wrinkles, dark circles, premature ageing, inflammation and acne. UV Rays can even cause skin cancer.
These are enough reasons for you to start using sunscreen. Even though sunscreen doesn’t avoid these conditions completely, it is a very important step towards protection from the sun. Remember that a higher SPF won’t have any effect on sensitive skin. To get 100% protection from the sun’s powerful rays, you will need clothes that cover your entire body, sunscreen, and a hat or something to cover your head.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen
Look for a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin, while UVB rays can cause sunburn.
Use a sunscreen with a high SPF
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. It is recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember, a higher SPF does not mean you can stay in the sun longer, so reapply regularly.
Apply sunscreen generously
Apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body. Don’t forget commonly overlooked areas such as the ears, neck, hands, and feet.
Reapply frequently
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Even if the sunscreen is labeled as water-resistant, it is still necessary to reapply regularly.
Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
UV rays can penetrate clouds, so it’s important to wear sunscreen even on overcast days.
Seek shade and wear protective clothing
While sunscreen is essential, it’s also a good idea to seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing can provide additional protection.
Check the expiration date
Sunscreen effectiveness can degrade over time, so be sure to check the expiration date before using it.
Be mindful of sensitive areas
Protect sensitive areas of your body, such as your lips, with a lip balm containing SPF. Use caution around the delicate skin of your face, especially around the eyes, and consider using a facial sunscreen specifically formulated for that area.
