Summer is upon us and we are gradually finding our way to the beach or any swimming pool to get a dose of cool amidst the heat. Before we worry about our beach bodies, though, better worry about our skins first.
Here are five things to remember to keep your skin protected while having fun under the sun.
Schedule your sun time
Avoid being outside and under the sun between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The sun’s rays are strongest and nearly half of the ultraviolet radiation is present between these hours. However, if you cannot help it, make sure to cover up and practice the shadow rule which says that if your shadow is shorter than you then it means the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
Some medications might increase sun sensitivity
Did you know that some medications make you more sensitive to the sun? You can have two possible reactions to the sun due to your medication. One is photoallergy where topical drugs garner an eczema-type reaction to your skin. The other is phototoxicity, the most common type of sun-sensitivity drug reaction, where the mixture of certain medications and sun exposure can lead to cell death. It might even recur even after you stopped using said medication. Medicines such as heart medication, anti-inflammatories, and in tetracycline have a higher possibility to give you phototoxicity.
Stay away from surfaces that reflect the damaging rays of the sun
Sand and bodies of water can reflect the sun’s rays. Take precautionary measures when you’re at the beach because surfaces that reflect the sun’s rays can increase your chance of a sunburn.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
Hats, umbrellas, shades, and rash guards are your friends during a beach day. Make sure to cover up as much as you can.
Sunscreen is always best
If bundling up isn’t an option, applying sunscreen is highly advised. Make sure to apply sunscreen every day even if it’s cloudy or you’re not going to the beach. It is best to apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you leave the house to achieve effectiveness and reapplying sunscreen every two hours is a must.
It is also advisable to look for a sunscreen that protects you from the ultraviolet rays of the sun without leaving a sticky or oily feeling upon application. A perfect brand to look at is Heliocare. DMark Beauty’s Heliocare line is not only recommended by dermatologists but is backed up by over 50 published studies and journals. It doesn’t only provide you with photoprotection, also known as the reduction of UV ray-induced skin damage, but also skin aging, sun allergies, and unwanted dark spots. You can now browse Heliocare’s line of sunscreen and other sun-protective products on DMark Beauty’s website or you could ask your dermatologist about it.