Sun Safe, Sun Smart - Caring for Your Skin

Here are a few tips to protect your skin while spending a fun day in the sun!

The weather in Charleston is lovely throughout the year, making it easy to maximize time outdoors, but it is important to protect yourself from the elements. Without proper protection, you will be susceptible to sunburns, which can put a damper on any occasion.

Here are some skin-care tips to keep in mind and create new, sun-safe habits.

Nourish and Protect Your Skin

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater at least 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow the sunscreen to absorb and take effect. It’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after a swim.

Don’t forget about your neck, lips and ears!  Many long for that sun-kissed glow, and the reality is that glow is actually a scar – the effects of the sun’s damaging rays are cumulative and can never be reversed. Even worse than that glow is a sunburn. A sunburn comes with many unpleasant effects. Make every effort to prevent a sunburn on the most overlooked areas of the body, including the lips and ears, by applying a broad-spectrum lip balm and SPF to your ears.

After a day in the sun, you will want to replenish and nourish your skin. Be sure to cleanse, moisturize and use an aloe gel to soothe sunburn or overexposed skin. Also consider eating foods rich in lycopene before and after a day in the sun – this will help your skin recover from the damaging rays of the sun. 

Dress for the Sun

Minimizing UV exposure is the best way to protect your skin from the sun. Choosing appropriate clothing is essential, especially if you’ll be spend the day outdoors. 

Loose-fitting cotton and UV-protective clothes can allow you to spend more time in the sun without getting sunburned. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck. If you prefer a smaller hat or baseball cap, use extra sunscreen on areas that are exposed.

 Finally invest in a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and help prevent wrinkles by squinting in the sun.

 Be Sun Smart

 Whenever you are enjoying time outdoors, you must stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You should also consider peak sun exposure. It is best to avoid direct sun exposure during peak sun hours, typically between 10 am and 4pm. And don’t be fooled by the clouds! Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it can’t see you.

Protect Your Skin and the Environment

 Not all suncreens are created equal! Some are better for the environment than others. For example, avoid using sunscreens that contain: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate and Octocrylene. These chemicals can harm humans and marine life, including coral.

 Instead, opt for mineral-only sunscreens containing zinc dioxide and/or titanium dioxide. Other ingredients you should be wary of include phthalates, sodium laureth sulfate, fragrance and parabens. Be sure to take time to read through the ingredients, because marketing labels such as “Reef Safe” or “Mineral Sunscreen” can often times be misleading.