After months of Mother Nature’s gloom and doom across North Carolina, Summer is a more than welcome season! The sunshine is begging for you to come outside and bask in its rays while you drink up the warmth of the season. Whether you’re piling kids into the car to head to the park or lacing up your sneakers to go for a run on the Greenway, the sunshine can do more than make for a beautiful day.
Sunlight can lead to harmful UVA and UVB rays spreading negative effects, such as skin cancer, when we are not properly protected. According to The American Academy of Dermatology, “UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, and can pass through window glass, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and areblocked by window glass.” The good news is that there are products and precautions available to you and your family to stay protected while enjoying the summertime!
This season, think outside the bottle and remember that while sunscreen is a great resource, that’s just one step toward keeping your skin safe.
Start With a Good Base
As more research and studies have been done over the last few decades, manufacturers have kept their consumers’ needs in mind and created more and more everyday products that include SPF. Before you even think about where you’re headed for the day, there are everyday moisturizers, hair products and makeup with SPF levels of 15 and higher that you can include, as you get ready in the morning. While a 30+ SPF is recommended for most skin-care products, putting in the effort to find items that specifically include sun protection is a great way to ensure you’re protected. Head over to your local drugstore and it’s easy now to find hairspray, lotion, concealer and foundation, all with SPF.
Remember to Layer Up
While you may have splurged on matching swimsuits for your family’s upcoming beach vacation, make sure to add some coordinating hats next time you’re at the store. According to the Skin Care Foundation, “Melanomas of the scalp and neck make up 6% of all melanomas and 10% of all melanoma deaths.” It’s important to include additional layers of clothing when you’re going to spend prolonged time in the sun, even when it’s hottest in summer. You can stay protected and cool if you choose light materials in darker colors, so you can keep things breathe-able and yourself out of direct sunlight. Keeping a cover-up on when out of the water at the beach or pool can make a big difference in sun damage.
Find Products That Work For You
Sometimes, things like social media or a morning talk show feature higher-end products that make you question whether or not the products you have on hand are truly doing the best job protecting you. Always read the labels and do your research on products, but remember that there are more than enough budget-friendly options that won’t break the bank. If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a special face makeup with SPF, check reviews online to see what others are saying, or e-mail the brand a question before buying. If you can’t find sun-protective apparel you like, consider purchasing a product such as Sunguard, that you can add to existing clothing to add protection from UV Rays. Don’t forget to check out plenty of local brands that you can support when looking for the right products for yourself and your loved ones.
Always Be Prepared!
One of the wonderful things about summer is the spontaneous weekend trips or the quick pit stop at the park after work with the family. It’s like the sunshine encourages us to take advantage of the season! To avoid unplanned sunburns and long sun exposure, always have a few key sun protectors in your purse or car for these types of adventures. You can add a small beach bag in the trunk with a few things like hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a towel or two, just in case you need it. Include a few reusable water bottles, too, that you can fill up, so you don’t get dehydrated, as well. It’s always better to be prepared!
