For a tropical country like Philippines, it has been usual for Filipinos to stay long under the glowing sun. Many of us love to stay under the sun during summer vacations to achieve a glowing, sun-kissed look. Some people just can’t help but to walk under the scorching heat. But one should not underestimate the effect of intense sun rays on our skin. According to studies, sunlight exposure can cause skin aging, dryness, sunburn and heat rash. More importantly, long periods of exposure to the sun may cause skin cancer.
We should indeed constantly watch out for our skin in the sun. But there is nothing to worry about, as there are a lot of ways to look and feel good under the sun while protecting our skin. Here are some tips you should keep in mind:
Keep out of the sun in the middle of the day, specifically at around 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as this is when the sun’s rays are strongest. It’s best to stay indoors at this time of day, or stay under structures such as trees. If it’s really unavoidable for you to stay under the glowing spotlight, then an umbrella could be used. Here’s another tip: if you are out in the sun and you see that your shadow is shorter than you are, then the sun’s rays are at their highest.
Wear appropriate clothing. Wear a hat that has a flap to protect the back of your neck, and sunglasses for the skin around your eyes. If it’s too hot outside, and you don’t intend to get tanned, wear long-sleeved clothing.
Apply sunscreen and moisturizer. Sunblocks reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching your skin and the higher the sun protection factor (SPF) number, the greater the level of protection. The SPF you need depends on your skin type. Most of us can manage with an SPF 15, and it doesn't make much of a difference if you go for higher factor numbers. Apply a liberal amount of sunblock 30 minutes before going out, and re-apply after swimming or sweating. If you'll be staying under the sun the whole day, apply every 2 hours.
Apply sunscreen and moisturizer. Sunblocks reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching your skin and the higher the sun protection factor (SPF) number, the greater the level of protection. The SPF you need depends on your skin type. Most of us can manage with an SPF 15, and it doesn't make much of a difference if you go for higher factor numbers. Apply a liberal amount of sunblock 30 minutes before going out, and re-apply after swimming or sweating. If you'll be staying under the sun the whole day, apply every 2 hours.
The good news is that if all of these sensible precautions are taken, you can still enjoy your thing under that giant spotlight while looking youthful and staying healthy at the same time.
