How Best to Care for Your Skin When Under The Sun

Many of us wait for the weather to be sunny to pack our swim suits and take a trip to the beach! One thing we put in our bags is the sunscreen, and we like to think that we are up-to-date with the latest sunscreen information. But how much do we actually understand about sunscreen?

Here are some helpful information for you to understand what damage you could be doing to your health while you are enjoying that bright sun and getting that perfect tan.

Once a day sunblock creams may not necessarily keep you safe
This might protect you longer for sure than the normal sunblock cream, but at the same time it depends on how many times you jump in and out of the water. Therefore it’s best you re-apply the sunscreen more than once a day to get the best protection.

High SPF alone may not protect you from getting skin cancer
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) will only protect you from the UVB ( Ultra Violet B) rays, which makes your skin go red and feel hot. It however does not protect you from UVA (Ultra Violet A) rays which penetrate deep into your skin. So what you need is a sun protection cream with a high SPF and UVA. Look for the 4 stars when buying a sunscreen.

Skin cancer can  show up as a mole
Skin cancers can look like a freckle or a mole. But some can look like bruises or even resemble eczema. Any changes you see to your skin tone or texture should be checked immediately by your physician.

All SPF’s in UK have been scientifically tested
The sunblock creams sold in the UK must undergo tests to prove that the creams offer the protection which is stated on the bottle. However face creams and moisture lotion that offers SPF protection are not legally required to prove it.

After sun lotion minimizes sun damage
After sun creams contain antioxidants and vitamins that will soothe and nourish your skin. But it can not undo the damage that has been done into the skin surface.  These creams make your skin feel refreshed and soft, but this is only for the surface. Therefore use a high SPF and a 4 start UVA for deep protection for your skin.

Applying too much sun protection cream is not good for the skin
Sunblock creams does have a certain amount of chemicals but choosing a reputable brand will give you the protection, and reduce the damage that could be done by its ingredients.

Sun beds damages your skin
It is simple, one session in a sun bed can increase the risk of skin cancer by a staggering 98%! No need for further explanation I think.

Most sun damage is done to the skin during childhood
If you were exposed to lots of sun during your childhood, you could have latent cancers under your skin. So when you are older, any further sunlight could activate them. So it is never too late to start protecting your skin.

You can cover up burnt skin and keep on sunbathing
Burnt skin is very fragile and can damage even more. Therefore it should be kept totally covered, and out of the sun for 10-14 days to allow it to recover.

No such thing as total sunblock
Total sunblock simply does not exist. If you want to keep away from the sun and harmful UV rays, stay behind a brick wall! If you think umbrellas, t-shirts and windows will cover you, you are misinformed. It still lets damaging rays through. The best thing to do is apply sunblock cream and stay in the shade between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, when the sun is hottest.

We all look good and feel better with a golden tan but it is really worth taking a moment to think how best to care for our skin and protect from skin cancer while taking that beautiful tan. Visit your drug store or talk to your family Doctor about protecting your skin and what the best sunscreen is for you and your family. Take an extra few minutes during the day to minimize the risk. Especially when you are on holidays where you get exposed to extreme sunlight for a prolonged time.