How do you protect your skin from Sunburn?

Sunny days and hot temperatures are on the agenda. You are in your haste to go out, do not you risk to forget the rules of safety. Are you exposed to the sun? Do not get burned this summer.

Choosing the best sun protection

Sunscreen will help protect your skin from sun damage during outdoor activities. But before buying a sunscreen, you need to understand the meaning of “sun protection factor ” and “broad spectrum”. These two terms go hand in hand in the war against skin lesions and skin cancer.

The sun protection factor SPF is the rating attributed to the product’s ability to block the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. You will find sunscreens from SPF 15, but it is recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. A product evaluated SPF 30 will block 97% of the UVB rays. An SPF higher than 30 can block UVB rays a little more, but there are no products on the market that can block them at 100%.

Broad spectrum refers to protection against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are likely to age your skin prematurely, causing wrinkles and age spots. UVAs can also pass through the windows of your home and your car. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn, but they do not pass through the glass. Both kinds of rays, UVA and UVB, could lead to skin cancer. It is recommended to use a sun protection product of at least SPF 30 and broad spectrum.

Once you have found the ideal sunscreen for your lifestyle, apply it, on dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outside to let it penetrate well.

Put enough sunscreen

You should apply enough sunscreen to protect all skin not covered by clothing. It is suggested to make a first application at least equal to the size of a shot glass. The protection of your product will decrease during the day, sweating and swimming will decrease it at an even faster pace; Also, to maintain adequate skin protection, it is advisable to reapply a cream shot glass every two hours. And do not believe in the myth that a higher SPF means you can stay longer in the sun without putting on cream. High SPF sunscreens do not last longer than products with low SPF.

In addition to the face, arms, back, and legs, consider putting on your ears, feet, under the straps of the camisole, behind the knees and on your scalp, areas often forgotten and exposed to harmful rays of the sun. Finally, do not forget your lips! Choose an SPF 30 Balm for a hydrated and protected smile.

Adopt additional measures

Sunscreen should not be your only defense against the sun. To better protect your skin, you should also wear a hat, sunglasses and sun protection clothing.

The hat should have wide edges that shade the head, neck, face, and ears (the baseball caps do not cover enough). Look for sunglasses with 100% UV protection to protect your eyes and the adjacent skin from burns and sores. Long-sleeved clothing and long pants offer some protection but buy clothing that protects your skin properly from the sun. Sun protective clothing found on the market has a UPF (UV protection factor). The higher the UPF figure, the better the garment will protect the skin. Clothes with a UPF of 40 to 50 will block 97.5% of the ultraviolet rays.

It is also important not to stay in the sun between 11 am and 4 pm when it is at its strongest. Plan your outdoor activities before 11 am or after 4 pm when there is less chance of sunburn.