How to Best Protect Your Skin this Summer

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light during summer is dangerous and can harm your skin. It may cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the potential sun damage caused during summer isn’t negotiable. Here are some tips to follow this summer: 

Applying Sunscreen

Undoubtedly, sunscreen’s PR is winning across social media platforms today. However, only some understand the right way to apply sunscreen. Foremost, understand that sunscreens are of different SPF (Sun Protection Factor), with 30 being the recommended number. A high sunscreen SPF indicates a high level of protection, so going below 30 isn’t advised. It is critical to wear sunscreen from head to toe, whether it is full sun or partially cloudy. Below are some other ways to best keep your skin healthy this summer.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing proper clothing, such as a hat, to cover your ears, neck, and face are great ways to protect yourself from harmful UV rays during the day. You may also wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing such as linen to cover your legs and arms. Wearing sunglasses aren’t just a method to prevent squinting – they protect your eyes from damage caused by UV rays. 

Avoid using tanning beds.

We recommend you skip using a tanning bed, as well-tanned skin is not worth the underlying risks. The repeated use of the tanning bed can increase your risk of having skin cancer and other skin conditions by over 15%. Using self-tanners and high-performance sun protection can blur pores, fine lines, and wrinkles and correct pigment and unwanted redness. 

Pay Attention to Your Medications

Some medications are known to increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. This applies to antibiotics such as Tetracycline and Bactrim, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, and other drugs like Benadryl. If it’s mandatory to use these drugs, confirm with your healthcare provider if extra sun protection measures are needed.

Reduce Sun Damage with Medical Grade Skincare in Plymouth, MA

With extended sun exposure comes sun damage to your skin. Preventing sun damage through wearing SPF daily and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours is most effective, but sometimes it is unavoidable. Although some require treatment from a dermatologist, it is possible to reverse specific damage with medical-grade skincare products & treatments. Contact our team at Fresh Medical Aesthetics to learn more about these products and treatments and whether or not they’re for you!