Staying Safe in the Sun: The Do’s and Don’ts of Sunscreen and Sun Protection

Summertime is here, and while we all love soaking up the sun, it’s crucial to protect our skin daily from harmful UV rays. These harmful rays can cause premature wrinkles, but more importantly, they can also lead to skin cancer.

At Annapolis Plastic Surgery, we prioritize your skin health and offer an array of exceptional sunscreens that combine effective UV protection with healthy glowing skin. We believe that sunscreen is not just a skincare product, but an essential part of your overall skincare routine.

Understanding UV Rays:

To keep your skin safe, it’s important to know about the two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA and UVB.

UVA rays have a longer wavelength and penetrate deep into your skin, which can lead to wrinkles, early aging, and even skin cancer.

On the other hand, UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and mostly affect the outer layer of your skin, causing sunburn. Both UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin’s health in the long run, which is why it’s crucial to protect yourself from the sun every day.

In this blog, we address the three major do’s and don’ts of sunscreen and emphasize the importance of sun protection daily.

Do: Choose Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens

When selecting a sunscreen, look for ones labeled “broad-spectrum,” as they offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Our carefully curated collection of sunscreens like Sun Better by Skin Better Science or EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 are both broad-spectrum and offer heightened protection against the sun while nourishing and enhancing your skin’s natural radiance.

Don’t: Neglect Sun Protection on Cloudy Days

Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can penetrate through the atmosphere and reach your skin. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you are safe from sunburn and skin damage when it’s overcast. Always apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and practice sun safety regardless of the weather conditions.

Do: Apply Sunscreen Regularly and Generously

A common mistake many people make is not using enough sunscreen. The average person should be applying a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen to their face and neck and a minimum of one shot glass worth of sunscreen to their body, focusing on any areas that will be exposed to the sun. Additionally, reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying is crucial in preventing sunburn, and protecting your skin.

Don’t: Forget to Protect Your Lips & Eyes

Our lips and eyes are often overlooked when it comes to sun protection. To avoid sunburn and dryness, incorporate an SPF lip balm into your routine, apply sunscreen around your eyes, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses.

Do: Check Expiration Dates

Sunscreen, like any other product, has a shelf life. Check the expiration date before using it. Expired sunscreen loses its effectiveness, so make sure to discard and replace any old products.

Don’t: Rely Solely on Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your first line of defense against UV rays, but it shouldn’t be your only line of defense. Using protective measures like wearing UV-blocking clothing, wide-brim hats, sunglasses, sitting under an umbrella, and staying out of direct sunlight during peak sun hours can ensure safer sun exposure.

When combining these additional measures with sunscreen, you create a comprehensive sun protection routine that significantly reduces the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

By following these vital do’s and don’ts of sun protection, you can maintain healthy and radiant skin throughout the summer.