Summer is here!! Yippee, that means pink pool floats, blue G&Ts and chocolate ice cream, braai’s with friends and dinner on the patio. It also means we will be spending a lot more time outdoors. We will be getting our bronze on, hiking and doing more outdoor activities.
Please remember to be safe in the sun these holidays. You only have one skin and research shows that you can get skin cancer from just two burns in your early 20’s. Once you’ve had skin cancer once, you’re at a higher risk of getting it again. The sun will also increase the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
Personally, I prefer spray tans as opposed to basking in the sun. As much as we all want to be bronzed goddesses, think about embracing your natural skin tone. Look at other ways to feel good about your appearance, a new lipstick or shirt in a colour that’s complimentary to your skin tone can work wonders to brighten up your look.
Here are some tips to protect your skin while living your best life these holidays:
Fashion, baby:
When you are in the sun, cover yourself up a bit with a colourful kaftan and a beautiful wide-brimmed hat. This will protect your shoulders, ears and scalp, which are places that get easily burnt because the skin is so thin in those areas.
Sunscreen:
- When you are in the sun, remember that UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Protect your beautiful skin, by applying sunscreen on every part of your body that will be exposed to the sun. Apply sunscreen at least 15 mins before heading outdoors and apply it even if it’s cloudy outside. Please remember to re-apply sunscreen every two hours, and don’t forget your hands and feet. When selecting a sunscreen, pick one with atleast an SPF 15 that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays.
*I’m currently using SOLAL SPF 30 sunscreen. This sunscreen protects against HEV light and UVA and UVB and it’s suitable for all skin types. It contains hyalouronic acid which plumps the skin and leaves it feeling supple and healthy, it also assists in the oxidation process by reducing damaging free radicals caused by pollution and radiation. This sunscreen acts as a primer underneath my makeup, which helps it glide on smoothly and leaves me feeling confident that my skin is protected all day long.
Make sunglasses your must have accessory this summer:
- This one’s an easy one to embrace because it’s already so bright outside. You also get so many different styles and designs that it’s difficult not to wear them every day. Sunglasses will shield your eyes from UV rays that can cause eye problems like cataracts. Look for a beautiful pair that block UVA and UVB rays.
Limit yourself:
Limit your time in the sun between 10h00 – 16h00 as that’s when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Try plan your outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon. If you are in the sun, find places with shade, or bring your own shade and be mindful that the sun reflects off the sand, tar and other surfaces. Wondering what you can do other than be in the sun? How about a family lunch indoors, or my personal favourite, have a nap with the aircon or fan on.
Know the skin you’re in:
Understand what your skin looks like on a regular basis, this includes moles and spots. Skin cancer is easiest to treat when caught early, so be on the lookout for changes in skin markings, like moles, bumps, or scaly spots or places where your kin has changed colour. Please talk to your doctor if you notice any of the above.
