How to Protect Yourself From The Sun- Tips For Staying Healthy This Summer

May 18, 2009

How to Protect Yourself From The Sun- Tips For Staying Healthy This Summer

Summer is a great time to have fun outdoors! It’s also a time to take precautions in the sun. It’s no secret, the sun can be hazardous to your health. Overexposure will damage your skin and put your health at risk. Sunburns are painful and the damage done can never be reversed. Take precautions this summer with these simple tips and ideas!

Knowing your UVA’s and UVB’s

UVA rays’ damage does not show up right away. They do not cause painful sunburns, but their effects are very real and long lasting. They account for about 95% of all ultraviolet energy and release energy throughout the daylight hours. UVA’s have the power do permanent damage to our DNA, as well as to the elastin and collagen fibers that make our skin firm and healthy. They can pass through all glass including windows, windshields, and sunglasses.

UVB rays do burn your skin. Though they don’t delve as deep into the skin’s layers as UVA’s, UVB’s can damage the DNA at the heart of skin cells, and are a main cause of skin cancer. UVB’s can’t pass through glass but they do reflect off light colors such as sand, white decks, snow, etc.

When you go outside without SPF, longer, stronger, aging UVA rays and shorter, skin-scorching UVB rays force their way inside the epidermis (skin’s top layer), inviting free radicals.

What exactly is a sunburn?

A sunburn has three stages. Sunburn is nothing more than a burn and burns have three stages. The redness is what is called 1st degree burn. This is the one most people get from being out in the sun too long without an adequate sunblock. If you receive a 1st degree sunburn form the sun you are aware how uncomfortable it can be. After you have gotten sunburn, you want to keep the skin moist. Using a cold cream will give you some relief. There is also some sprays that relieve the pain and also keep the skin moist. If you develop blistering you have what is called 2nd degree burn.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can take place after several days of exposure of high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. The symptoms of heat exhaustion are paleness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, fainting, nausea and vomiting. The skin will become cool and moist also you could have a rapid pulse and heart rate. To avoid heat exhaustion drink plenty of fluids even when your not thirsty. Wear light and loose fitting clothing. You should also wear a hat. You could have a more serious problem if its not taken care of.

Thank goodness there are ways to protect your skins vitality!


Cover Your Eyes

Wearing sunglasses during direct sunlight dramatically reduces your chance of developing wrinkles or “squinting lines.” Wearing a liquid based SPF foundation will not only protect your skin from defining wrinkles, but give a natural glow to your skins natural tones under sunlight. Try using Chanel Pro Lumiere make up SPF 15. Dab your SPF foundation under and around your eye area and blend.


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Shield Your Locks

Did you know there is sunscreen for your hair? When you are thinking about protecting yourself from the sun, it is essential that you protect your hair as well. Sun damage to the hair can manifest as faded hair color, brittle and dry hair shafts and split ends. Hair products with listed SPF factors that are designed to penetrate the hair cuticle (like leave in conditioners) will serve you well in daily short periods of sun exposure.

If you are going to the beach or will be out in the sun for an extended period of time it is best to supplement your sun protection product with a full blown SPF type of product or a product designed specifically for heavy or prolonged sun exposure. Try this summers big hit, Aveda Protective Hair Veil. (The natural cinnamon used will prevent hair color fading)
Warning: If a hair care product says that is has sun protection but does not list an actual SPF or does not list a specific known sunscreen like Octyl Methyosycinnamate, there is a possibility that the product does not really have sun screen protection and it could be a marketing ploy. Unfortunately, some hair care companies will advertise that their product will protect against UVA or UVB rays and they don’t. It is very important to read the labels and to understand what you are buying.

Keep Lips Luscious

When you go outside to enjoy the warmth and sunshine, you have to remember to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful rays. Just as you apply sunscreen to your skin, you need to apply sunscreen to your lips. Many lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip balms contain SPF, so check those labels ladies. Try Dior AddictLip Glow Sheer Lip Balm SPF 10.

Also, avoid skin drying products connecting with your lips. This includes making sure that shampoo does not run over your face when you wash your hair. Also be careful about the makeup you use; make sure it is not a source of drying out your skin.

Save Your Skin


Reduce your time in the sun. This is especially recommended from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds. Stay in the shade as much as possible throughout the day.

Dress with care. Wear clothes that protect your body. Cover as much of your body as possible if you plan to be outside on a sunny day. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and long pants. Sun-protective clothing is now available in stores. However, FDA does not regulate such products unless the manufacturer intends to make a medical claim.Consider using an umbrella for shade.

Tips for applying sunscreen:


-Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet.
-Check the label for the correct amount of time to apply it before you go out.
-Reapply at least every two hours. Read the label to see how often.
-If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head, or wear a hat.
-Apply sunscreen to children older than 6 months every time they go out.

Moisturize correctly

Many people do not understand the action of the moisturizer on the skin and get furious if results are not what they expected. A moisturizer is a substance that helps your skin trap moisture in the cells, specifically located in the face. It helps keep the skin moist and protected all day. They sometimes contain sunscreen for protection from the sun. It makes the skin feel hydrated and not parched.

Lotions are often composed of humectants like hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, glycerin, or urea. They work by increasing the affinity of the skin to water. Other moisturizers, usually of the heavy kind are composed of petrolatum, mineral oil, shea butter, and cetyl alcohol. They act as a skin softener as a layer of protection is formed.

Try St. Tropez Body Moisturizer. It is ideal for all skin types to nourish and hydrate the skin while helping to accelerate the intensity of your real tan and the length of your tan, whether it be real or fake. Also try Clinique SPF 30 face cream. It’s a non greasy creme made for oil-prone parts of your body!

Now that your aware of the dangers, start having fun! Find everything your looking for this summer at UltraFragrances.com!


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