It’s all fun and games until someone gets burned.
The sun is peeking out more often these days and winter is but a distant memory. It would be a crime to stay inside on a beautiful day, so you’ve called up your friends to make weekend plans for the rest of the month. From rooftop brunches to sunbathing by the pool, the common theme throughout your suggestions is obvious: fun in the sun.
Though it’s tempting to get out and load up on your daily dose of vitamin D, you should do so after making the necessary preparations. A healthy, radiant glow doesn’t come from sun-kissed skin, it comes from healthy skin. With this in mind, here are a few ways to protect your skin while you enjoy your time in the sun.
Lather it on
We’ll start with the obvious. You should lather on sunscreen before you leave the house and keep it on you in case you need to reapply. If you’re unsure which kind of sunscreen to buy, Dr. Michael Dugan has some guidance for you.
“30 is better than 15, but anything over 30 is probably marketing hype rather than any true benefit." — Dr. Michael Dugan
Yes, the higher the SPF the better, but you’re probably safe just grabbing a tube of SPF 30 and hitting the great outdoors.
Drink up
In general, it’s always good to stay hydrated. Your body is comprised of mostly water, so you should be sure to replenish. Not only will staying hydrated keep you energized and feeling fresh, but it’s great for your skin as well. While buying products to moisturize the skin is nice, it’s also a good idea to moisturize the skin from the inside out. That means drinking water throughout the day.
Put your hat into it
Okay, there’s no need to put a hat into anything, but there is a need to put a hat onto your head! Protect your face with a large sun hat or baseball cap. You can make this fun by representing your favorite team or place, or buying a very fashionable hat. Not only does this hat protect your skin, but it keeps the sun out of your eyes. That reminds us, don’t for get to bring your sunglasses too!
Embrace the aloe
“Aloe concentrated juice is excellent for direct application on sunburn.” — Dr. Steven Cordas
Sometimes, you forget to put on the sunscreen or you just weren’t prepared. If you do get burned, quickly grab some aloe vera to stop the burning feeling and prevent major peeling. Try your best to avoid this situation since sunburns really damage your skin, but if you’re looking for relief, aloe vera is the way to go.
We all want to look and feel our best for years to come. Protecting and nurturing your skin can help you age gracefully and keep you looking radiant. Of course, you should still get out and play because staying active and laughing with your loved ones is also a great way to keep you feeling happy and healthy. Just follow these tips and you’re sure to round out spring with a bang.
Author: Maya Gilliss-Chapman
