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As summer approaches, it’s tempting to spend more time outdoors sunbathing and soaking up the rays! While some sunlight is good for you because it increases the feel-good chemical called serotonin in your brain and provides Vitamin D, your skin needs protection from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
Hot summer days aren’t the only days you need to worry about the negative effects of the sun, either. Sun safety is essential all year round, even when it’s cloudy.
Harmanpreet Buttar, MD, and our Vital Clinic and Spa team in Cypress, Texas, offer the following tips for understanding the effect of sun exposure on your skin and how to protect yourself.
The most common effect of sun exposure is sunburn. The swollen, red, and often peeling skin is a symptom of skin cell damage. Significant sunburns cause blistering and can cause scars and permanent damage to your skin.
Sunburns aren’t the only issue that comes from prolonged exposure to the sun. The UV rays also cause premature aging, age spots, and skin cancer. Fortunately, Laser treatments at Vital Clinic and Spa can help reduce the signs of aging and age spots.
You don’t have to live your life indoors to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The following tips help prevent skin problems:
If you’re going outside, wear sunscreen regardless of the season or if it’s cloudy. Sunscreen should be part of your daily skin care routine to help prevent skin cancer. Use a high SPF sunscreen and apply it throughout the day when spending time outdoors.
Sun rays are most intense between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, so limit your time in the sun during those hours. You can still enjoy the outdoors by finding shady areas to help limit your sun exposure.
It’s recommended that you limit your midday sunlight exposure to 10 and 30 minutes per day, several times per week. That limits the harmful UV rays while allowing you to benefit from the Vitamin D and serotonin boost.
Wear long-sleeved t-shirts, long pants or skirts that cover your legs, and hats to protect your skin from direct exposure to the sun. Sunglasses with 100% UV absorption can protect your eyes, too.
Dr. Buttar offers customized facials for your skin type. If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about skin care, book an online consultation or call the office today.
