Protecting Your Skin
Summer is just around the corner and if you are like most people that means you will be spending more time outside. Whether you are at the beach or just taking a stroll around the park, it is important to protect your skin from the hot summer sun. Protecting your skin from the sun has several benefits, including: decreasing your risk of skin cancer, reducing your risk of getting a painful sunburn, minimizing the likelihood of developing age spots, and helping you age more gracefully by not developing lines and wrinkles prematurely. There are several ways that you can protect your skin from the suns harsh rays and each should be part of everyone’s routine when spending time in the sun.
Wear Sunglasses
It is important to protect your eyes from the sun. Wearing sunglasses is essential to reduce the risk of damaging your eyes. Eyes can be sunburned, just like the skin. Also, wearing sunglasses protects the delicate skin around the eyes. Wearing sun glasses will help keep lines and wrinkles in those areas at bay.
Use Sunscreen
We’ve all heard about the benefits of sunscreen to protect against skin cancer, but did you know that sunscreen can also help the skin age more gracefully? Skin protection is important and sunscreen will protect against sun damage which causes unsightly age spots, as well as lines and wrinkles. Sunscreen should be applied anywhere on your body that will be exposed to the sun, especially on your face, neck and chest. Reapply sunscreen as directed after a certain number of hours in the sun or after excessive sweating or water exposure.
Seek Shade
If you are spending time outside seek shade when possible. This could be under a tree or umbrella if spending the day at the pool or the beach. Midday the sun is at its strongest, so this is a great time to seek refuge in the shade. While it may be tempting to lay out in the sun all day, it is not great for your skin. If you do lay out, use sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated is extremely important when spending time outdoors in the heat. The body can lose water quickly, especially when sweating. Be extra careful if drinking alcohol or caffeine as these can actually dehydrate your body. Supplement each caffeinated or alcoholic beverage with at least sixteen ounces of water.
In addition, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke, not only for yourself, but in order to recognize if this is happening to someone else.
Heat stroke symptoms include:
- Disorientation
- Difficulty breathing
- Hallucination
- Quicker pulse
- Absence of sweat
- Flushed, red skin
- Higher body temperature
Dress in Lighter Colors
Dressing in lighter colors when you go out in the sun (whites and pastels) will reflect the sun’s rays away from you. Darker colors tend to retain heat, which can mean that you can get overheated faster as well. Dressing in lighter colors isn’t all that you have to do. This is only one more way to help ward against sun damage and to protect your skin. You will want to follow all of these tips for the best protection.
Cosmetic Laser Centers of Pittsburgh wants to help you have the best skin possible. Our experts can assist you with all of your skin care needs, as well as offer services for those that have suffered sun damage. If you have sun spots, lines or wrinkles that you would like to minimize, then contact Cosmetic Laser Centers for advice on the best treatment options available for you.
