8 Simple Ways To Protect Your Skin This Summer

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is extremely detrimental to the skin and can result in severe photodamage or skin cancer.  With summer right around the corner, we wanted to share 8 simple tips to protect your skin all summer long:

Always use sunscreen: Wear a high quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30-50 everyday; even on cloudy or cool days as UV radiation will still be present. Make sure to reapply at least every hour when swimming or sweating. Also make sure to store your sunscreen in a cool place and always check the expiration date to make sure it has not expired (most sunscreens have a 3-year shelf life).

Avoid peak sun hours: Avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., as that period is typically the most intense in terms of UV radiation. If you do venture out, try to stay in the shade or wear protective clothing. Also, remember UV rays can penetrate through windows so use sun protection even in the car.  Topical antioxidants like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a great product to add to your daily regimen for added sun protection and help reverse sun damage.

Sunglasses are a must: Polarized sunglasses can protect the sensitive skin around the eyes from both UVA and UVB rays as well as prevent the development of cataracts.

Grab a hat: A wide-brimmed hat is the best choice as it will provide protection for your entire face, along with your neck and ears. If you opt for a baseball cap (or similar hat) make sure to apply sunscreen to your neck and ears since those areas will not be protected.

Check your medications: If you’re on any form of medication (either prescribed or over-the-counter), check with your pharmacist to see if it can increase your skins sensitivity to the sun. Common medications like Benadryl, antibiotics, , and oral diabetic medications can alter how your skin responds to UV radiation.

Protect youngsters: Children younger than six months should not use sunscreen but should be protected from the sun’s rays with protective clothing and shade. Children six months or older should have sunscreen applied regularly when outdoors.  When using spray SPF, be sure to generously rub into skin after spraying.  Never spray directly into the child’s face.

Avoid tanning beds: The sun isn’t the only skin-damaging predator — tanning via indoor tanning beds can also have ill effects on the body’s outer layer. People who regularly tan via indoor tanning beds have a 55% higher chance of developing some form of skin cancer compared to people who refrain from tanning. The writing on the wall is crystal clear: tanning beds are dangerous! Instead, go for a spray-on tan or use topical self-tanning products. These safe alternatives create a tan by reacting to the amino acids of the skin.

Live healthy: There are many lifestyle changes you can make which will help your skin be more resilient to UV exposure. If you’re a smoker, stop immediately! Eat a healthy diet full of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, and drink lots of water. Get plenty of exercise and a full night’s rest, and try to reduce your daily stress.

A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.