Spending time at the beach during the summer months is a rite of passage that many people love to check off their list. Anytime you’ve having fun in the sun, it’s important to keep in mind that you should be protecting yourself from damaging UV rays that can cause premature aging and cancer. The truth is that, if you forget to re-apply your SPF 50+ every two hours outdoors, you’re most likely going to have a painful sunburn.
Learning how to protect yourself from sun damage isn’t the most intuitive thing, especially since you can still get sun damage on a cloudy or cold day! Since it’s one of the most common topics I cover, I wanted to put together this resource for all of my wonderful patients and anyone who is interested in skincare.
1. Essential Oils can Soothe Your Sunburn
Many people love using essential oils to calm them down or to keep their energy levels up throughout the day. Everything from a diffuser to a placing a few drops of essential oils into a bath can help people feel more grounded. But did you know that you can also use certain essential oils to soothe your sunburn if you’ve accidentally had a little too much fun outdoors?
Find out what essential oils I recommend to soothe your sunburn, and relieve the pain, in this article from Prevention Magazine.
2. Make Sure You Find the Best Sunscreen for You
Our needs change over the years, and our skin will need many different types of care throughout our lives. When it comes to sunscreen, the same is true. While some people may have been able to stave off sun-damage with a lower SPF in the years before, they may notice that they now require a stronger sunscreen.
There are many other things to take into account in addition to how much SPF a sunscreen has. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using a protective and gentle sunscreen to keep you safe.
To help protect their readers, my friends over at Health asked me to chime in on some of my favorite sunscreens for sensitive skin, such as La Roche-Posay.
3. Use Sunscreen Daily – Even with Your Makeup!
I can’t emphasize enough how important broad spectrum sunscreen is. Even if you’re not spending the day at the beach or on the golf course, it’s important to use sunscreen every day.
For some, a light sunscreen that has broad spectrum coverage can be applied smoothly underneath foundation, bronzer, and highlighter.
If you want to give your skin some coverage while evening out your skin tone without foundation, try a tinted sunscreen!
I personally love La Roche Posay, but here are a few others from Allure that you can choose from that I discuss in this article.
4. Accessorize and Keep Your Skin Safe at the Same Time
My summer style must-haves include a broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a stylish hat!
I always protect my skin, but I do love heading to the beach in the summer – especially because I live near the ocean. Adding a wide-brimmed hat and some chic sunglasses to my beach attire not only protects me from the sun and keeps me cool – but it’s also it fashionable!
Exposure to the sun is directly responsible for many of the skin changes that we associate with aging. Sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily routine to avoid looking like a handbag when you get older!
There are so many options in sun protection out there, but it’s extremely important that you pick one that works for you and your skin type.
My advice on how to choose the best sun protection:
- Test the absorbency of the product on the back of your hand.
- Think about your lifestyle and if you will need waterproof product or one that goes on dry so that makeup application is easier.
- Experiment with various formulations because sunscreens are available as powders, lotions, gels, sprays and in a waxy base.
5. Don’t Be Afraid of the Shade
Oftentimes, we can get drawn into the allure of sipping on a margarita by the pool. If you want to protect your skin from sun damage so that you can look radiant for years to come, it’s time to stop being afraid of the shade!
Though getting some sun is beneficial for you as long as you’re wearing the right sun protection, it’s important to start spending more time in the shade even if you have beach plans for the day.
Many beaches and pools have shady areas built for cooling down from the sun. Others may give people the opportunity to rent a large shade. Some people even choose to purchase their own shade to set up at the beach, park, or even at outdoor events like concerts.
Whatever you end up doing this summer, make sure you’re keeping your skin safe while having a great time! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact my offices in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica to schedule your appointment. For any readers who live too far from my office, you can also schedule an Ava MD Telederm appointment to be seen by me or one of my skincare experts.