7 Tips to Prevent Sun Damage for Skin and Hair

Introduction:

Protecting our skin and hair from sun damage is essential to maintain their health and appearance. The sun’s harmful rays can cause a range of problems, from premature aging and wrinkles to sunburns and even skin cancer. In order to prevent these issues, it is important to follow a few simple tips that will help shield our skin and hair from the sun’s damaging effects.

Tip 1: Apply sunscreen daily

One of the most important steps in protecting ourselves from sun damage is applying sunscreen daily. Sunscreen helps to block the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause damage to our skin. When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to look for one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 having broad spectrum coverage. This will provide adequate protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Pro tip for swimmers: 

Apply sunscreen on your whole body at-least 20 minutes before entering water. Ensure your sunscreen is water resistant. Applying sunscreen on back of the body is easily solvable by using a sunscreen spray. Make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours in water, even after using a water resistant sunscreen. 

Tip 2: Wear protective clothing

In addition to sunscreen, wearing protective clothing can greatly reduce the risk of sun damage. This includes wearing hats that provide shade for our face and neck, long sleeves to cover our arms, and sunglasses that protect our eyes from harmful UV rays. These simple measures can go a long way in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Pro tip for swimmers: 

Have you ever experienced dry, straw-like hair after a swim? Or, if you are a regular swimmer, did you notice a slight change in your hair colour? Weather you are a frequent to a swimming pool or the beach, both chlorine (in pools) and saltwater (in sea) damages our hair. Get yourself a hair cap. An effective swim cap covers all of your hair. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean your hair won’t get wet at all. But it will keep chlorine or saltwater as far away from your hair as possible.

Tip 3: Seek shade during peak hours

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, so it is important to seek shade during these hours. This can include staying indoors, finding a shaded area, or using umbrellas or sunshades when spending time outdoors. By avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, we can reduce the risk of sunburn and minimize sun damage to our skin and hair.

Tip 4: Use hair protection

Our hair is also vulnerable to sun damage, so it is important to take steps to protect it. Wearing hats or scarves can provide shade and protect our hair from the sun’s harmful rays. Additionally, using UV-blocking hair products can provide an extra layer of protection against sun damage. By taking these precautions, we can keep our hair healthy and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.

Tip 5: Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it also plays a crucial role in protecting our skin and hair from sun damage. When our bodies are well-hydrated, our skin is more resilient and less prone to damage. Drinking plenty of water and using moisturisers can help keep our skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and flaky under the sun.

Pro tip for swimmers: 

Pre-swim moisturisers and post-swim moisturisers both play a very important role for swimmers. Pick a pre-swim moisturiser with a gel texture to create a thin film of barrier between your skin and water. Pentavitin, an active that creates this property in such moisturisers is a good fit for the occasion. For post-swim moisturising, use a creme based moisturiser with actives such as Aloe Vera or Watermelon that’ll soothe the skin and keep it hydrated. 

Tip 6: Eat foods containing antioxidants

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can also help protect our skin and hair from sun damage. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help to neutralise the free radicals that are produced by the sun’s UV rays. Including foods like berries, citrus fruits, nuts, and leafy greens in our diet can provide us with the antioxidants our bodies need to combat sun damage from the inside out.

Tip 7: Regularly check for any changes

Lastly, it is important to regularly check our skin and hair for any changes or abnormalities. By performing self-examinations, we can identify any potential issues early on and seek medical attention if necessary. This can be especially crucial in the early detection of skin cancer, which is highly treatable when caught early.

Conclusion

Protecting our skin and hair from sun damage should be a top priority in our daily routines. By following these seven simple tips, we can greatly reduce the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and more serious issues like skin cancer. Remember to apply sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, seek shade during peak hours, use hair protection, stay hydrated, eat foods containing antioxidants, and regularly check for any changes. Together, these strategies will help us maintain healthy and radiant skin and hair. So, be sure to incorporate these sun damage prevention tips into your everyday routine for long-lasting protection. Stay safe under the sun!