10 Tips For Preventing Sun Damage
Summertime is close and folks are getting excited about heading out to the beach for a serious suntan. However, seeing as your skin is the largest organ – so large in fact it covers every last inch of your being including your internal organs – you best be taking good care of it. What’s more, as your entire face is the first thing people see and is often the most affected by the sun’s rays, it’s also imperative to ensure that is well protected. Blotchy, reddened or burnt facial skin is not only unhealthy but is also a very unattractive site; most babes don’t get all hot and bothered over scruffy skin. So why not save your skin and take along some sun cream, a men’s hat while keeping in mind the below ten tips to protect your skin from sun damage
Use A Moisturizing Sunblock
Although the use of sunscreen for skin protection is pretty much public knowledge, not just any old sun cream would do. Rather, opt for those that contains sunblock. Dermatologists recommend the use of sun creams that contain a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The ones that offer UVA and UVB sun ray protection are your best bet. But remember to slab on some sun cream before you get out in the sun, reapplying every few hours especially when you have been exposed for over thirty minutes or have been in the water.
Limit Your Exposure
The best way to avoid getting sunburnt is by limiting your exposure to the sunlight or by limiting the amount of sun’s rays directly hitting your skin. Excessive sun exposure can not only leave you with skin discoloration and wrinkles, but is also a major contributing factor to developing skin cancer. So, be wise and aim to stay out of the sun between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm when the sun is at its hottest. If it is imperative you are outdoors, try to use an umbrella – worry less about looking girly with an umbrella over your head and think of your skin. Or you could simply cover up with a men’s bucket hat instead.
Drink Up
Keeping your body hydrated is one of the best protective ways you can prevent sun damage on the skin. Although drinking enough water is great for promoting healthy bodily functions, it is even better when out in the sun. Water helps to keep your skin moist whilst feeling and looking great and there is no denying that moisturized skin can better withstand the sun’s rays than parched skin. Heading for the beach looking like Godzilla is a no-no, so drink up and stave off that scaly skin. Remember not to substitute water for carbonated or energy drinks. Those won’t keep you hydrated like water can.
Eat Right
Have a knack for food on the fast lane? Might be time to consider developing healthier eating habits for your skin’s sake. Mouthwatering as that burger looks with its juicy steaks just dripping with ketchup and sauces, it is going to do a number on your skin over time. Eat smart and go for foods rich in antioxidants instead such as fruits and vegetables. Strawberries, cherries, and apples are yummy, skin-friendly alternatives. Whip up a smoothie with these fruits and sip on the go and watch the comments on your ageless skin roll in.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Much as the frosted mug dripping with ice-cold lager is just calling your name at happy hour, this is one call you don’t want to answer. A lot of alcoholic drinks contain ethanol, a compound known to cause cancer. Although red wine enjoys a lot of popularity as an antioxidant, it can only be beneficial to you in small doses. Taking down 10 bottles with the guys after work every other evening does not count. Prolonged use of alcohol could see your skin becoming blotchy with broken blood vessels just beneath the surface.
Quit Smoking
There is nothing out there that wrecks skin as bad as a cigarette. Maybe you got hooked on it as a teenager trying to get with the cool crowd or you find nicotine calming, whichever it is, the sooner you quit it the sooner your skin makes a turnaround for the better. Tobacco is particularly bad for the skin on your face as it causes yellowing skin and premature wrinkling adding on years to your actual age. Tobacco also restricts the free flow of oxygen to your blood. Think Cuban cigars or pipes give a statelier look? Well know this, tobacco in any form is very bad for your skin.
Take A Bath
With some health nuts out there spreading propaganda about not bathing every day, some folks have come to see baths as a not so good thing. This is one bandwagon you really don’t need to jump on. Bathing is a great way to keep your skin clean and free of crud. Stick to warm showers as hot water removes moisture and dries out your skin. A bath at least once daily is enough to do the trick and keep your skin’s natural oils locked in but choose your soap or body wash wisely. Done with your bath? Use a soft towel to pat your skin dry. No hard rubbing with an abrasive material.
Dress Right
When it gets extremely hot out there, your first thought might be to pull that shirt off. Not so fast though. Having that much skin exposed is not going to play out in your skin’s favour. Rather pick out clothes that offer sunblock protection such as dark coloured fabrics. Wear long-sleeved clothing made with tightly woven material. Such material is much more absorbent of harmful UV rays. Wearing a men’s hat not only covers your head but protects your face as well.
Avoid Tanning
As much as men with nicely tanned sculpted bodies are being constantly shoved in our faces, you might want to take a rain cheque on sunbathing. Having a tan is actually a sign of skin damage being touted as a fashion statement. That goes for the use of tanning beds too. You might imagine slathering on some tanning oil would reduce damage while still giving you that bronzed effect, but you couldn’t be more wrong. If you insist on having a tan though, acquire it over time in controlled doses of sun exposure.
Understand The Weather
You may be no meteorologist but that is no excuse to let the sun play tricks on you. You might that figure if it’s a cloudy day without the sun, you are entirely safe. The truth is that even in seemingly cloudy weather, ultraviolet rays are strong enough to pierce through the clouds and damage your skin. So take precautions you would on a visibly sunny day and cover up your eyes with UV sunglasses. Also, wear a mens hat for head and face protection and slather on some sun cream at frequent intervals.
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