How to Avoid Burns and Skin Damage

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skin-damageThe sun on your shoulders might feel amazing, but if your sun exposure ends up in blistering burns, it can really be a pain. Here is what you’re doing that could be causing burns and sun damage, and how to nip them in the bud so that you keep your skin healthy.

You’re Falling Short of the SPF

You might wonder why you still get burns even if you’re so diligent about applying sunscreen, but are you sure you’re not missing out on any areas of your skin? You could very well be skipping over small parts where sunburn can strike. These areas include your ears, nose, jawline, hairline, upper back, shoulders, and the back of your knees. Get someone to help you apply sunscreen so that you cover up properly.

You’re Relying Too Much on Sunscreen

It’s not always enough to step outside wearing sunscreen – you should also be keeping your skin protected by covering it up with clothing and accessories. Wear long-sleeved t-shirts, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to cover up as much of your skin as possible. Seek out the shade if you’re spending lots of time outside. These tips become even more important if you’re outside during the hottest times of the day – between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

You Think Not Burning or Tanning Means Your Skin is Safe

Although it’s good not to tan because this is a form of skin damage, you might think that being outside without turning a darker color is enough to adequately protect your skin. But you’re wrong. The same goes for burns. Just because you’re not burning or blistering, it doesn’t mean your skin is healthy.

The reason for this is that the UV rays are damaging whenever you’re outside, even if it’s not for many hours at a time. These rays speed up the cells’ production of melanin, which can cause certain areas of your skin to become darker, such as in the case of age spots or melasma. The rays also break down the skin’s production of collagen, which is a structure that keeps skin young and firm – without it, skin ages prematurely and become wrinkly.

You’re Using Skincare Products That Make Your Skin More Vulnerable to the Sun

How you look after your skin plays an important role in how protected it is against the sun’s harmful rays. If you’re using skincare products that contain ingredients that increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, this can increase your risk of sun damage. Avoid ingredients such as AHAs, which exfoliate your skin, and scented ingredients such as citrus and lavender. Rather, choose ingredients that boost your skin’s barrier against the UV rays, such as green tea extract and Vitamin E.

You Don’t Choose Clothing That Absorbs the UVA and UVB Rays

Your clothing choices when you step outside are important. If you choose dark colors that are made of tightly-woven fabrics, this creates a better barrier to the sun. Avoid light colors. To test if your clothes will block the rays efficiently, hold the item of clothing next to a lamp. If a lot of light shines through the item, it means that it’s not blocking enough light. Choose clothing that doesn’t let much light through its fabric because it will offer you more protection from the sun’s rays.

Skin burns and sun damage wreak havoc on your skin. With a few important sun-savvy tips, you’ll regain your healthy and naturally radiant complexion. Keep your skin protected because it’s the only one you have!

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