In small amounts, UV radiations from the sun are essential for helping our bodies to generate Vitamin D, a vital supplement for healthy bones, and for regulating our serotonin and tryptamine, neurotransmitters that keep our mood and sleep/wake cycle in order.

Our skin is the susceptible part of our body, and the sun is the ultimate source of Ultra Violet radiations that damage our skin quickly. We should take care to protect our skin as there can be many fatal consequences that can take place when your skin is exposed to the sun for a long time.

Overexposure to the sun can cause health issues, from sunburn to skin cancer. It would help if you had a combination of sun protection measures.

Before you head out in the sun, you must know about sun safety and protecting your skin.

Steps to be Sun-Smart!

Check UV Index

Check the UV index of your city and adjust your daily schedules and selection of clothes accordingly. The ultraviolet index indicates the level of UV radiation and the potential risk of sun exposure. A UV index of any city can be obtained from google weather forecast data.

Cover Your Body

Wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays for your eyes and a cap to protect your face. Wear long-sleeved clothes whenever you go outdoors during the daytime. Darker colors protect skin better than light ones. Tightly woven clothes, such as canvas, works great to prevent your skin from UV radiation. Use an umbrella for shade.

Seek Shade

Sit in the shade as much as you can when you are outdoors. Look for shade under a tree. Sit under a large umbrella when you are at the pool or beach. Stay indoors between 11 am to 3 pm on sunny days. If you are unsure how intense sun rays are, try the shadow test. If your shadow is shorter than your actual height, sun rays are the strongest, and it is crucial to protect yourself.

Eat Right Food

Try to eat foods that protect against UV radiation, including Fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or tuna. According to studies, these can protect from skin cancer and also help to protect the cell from free radical damage.

Dark leafy greens are loaded with skin-protecting antioxidants. Eat oranges, red peppers, tomatoes, and carrots for skin-protecting lycopene and beta-carotene.

Eat Suitable Oils

Consume healthy oils like coconut, olive evening primrose, and avocado helps keep your skin healthy and more resistant to sun damage.

Use Aloe Vera

Sooth with Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera gel provides instant soothing and healing to the skin. If you spend too much time in the sun, then aloe vera is the best thing to apply. People mostly use aloe vera gel regularly because it calms the irritations and redness.

Use Vitamin E

Apply natural vitamin e such as alpha-tocopherol to protect skin your skin from sun damage and wrinkles. According to research, applying oils such as coconut and olive on your skin blocks about 20% of UV rays.

Apply Sunscreen

The most important thing that can protect your skin is sunscreen. Use sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day. It is probably one of the easiest ways to prevent millions of cases of skin cancer each year. Recent studies show that only 14% of American men and 30% of American women regularly apply sunscreen to their bodies before going outside. Most of you are going to say that's not exactly groundbreaking news. That's why we'll explain a few things most people don't know about sunscreen.

Few things you need to know about sunscreen

Do not use sunscreen from previous years

Sunscreen loses its effectiveness after being opened. Make sure that your sunblock is not too old. If you are unsure, buy a new one because the old one will not protect you from harmful radiation. Always buy travel-friendly sunscreen.

Buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen to be fully protected

Only Broad-spectrum Sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB and UVA rays. Don't worry about UVC rays that don't reach our skin.

Apply enough sunscreen to protect your skin

Remember to apply your sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Also, reapply it at least every two hours. Buy sunscreen according to your skin type.

Apply sunscreen on all body parts exposed to sun

On a beach, you need to apply sunscreen all over your body. You must apply sunscreen on your feet, lips, ears, and wherever you are exposed. If you wear shorts and sleeveless shirts, don’t forget to put sunblock on your shoulders and legs.

Use Sunscreen with the right SPF

In general an SPF30 is recommended. SPF higher than 50 might not be worth. Do not use anything that is not sunscreen in place of sunscreen. If you have tan skin, SPF 30 to SPF 35 is good, and if you have Fairer skin, then SPF 40 to SPF 45 will be enough.

Sunscreen Usage  Considerations

Sunscreens should be applied directly to clean skin. At the same time, physical sunscreen should be used last in your skincare routine.

It is also great to mix your sunscreen with a vitamin C serum; it protects your skin from sun damage, slows down the symptoms of aging, and brightens your skin.

Sunscreen with titanium dioxide gives better result, üarticularly for people with acne or sensitive skin.

How to choose sunscreen according to your skin type?

You should select sunscreen according to your skin type and time spent in the sun. It is ideal to select a sunscreen that blocks enough UV rays to adequately protect your skin type. Any SPF 50 that is fragrance-free and oil free is going to be great for most skin types including normal. Sunscreens are available in the form of gel, creams, and lotions.

Oily and Combination Skin

If you have oily to combination skin, go for sunscreen, which makes your skin not oily and not too dry. For oily acne-prone skin, oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreens are great, which won’t clog your pores which is a very essential thing for all skin types.

Sunscreens Selection

La Roche Posay Anthelios ultra-light sunscreen fluid SPF 60

La Roche Posay Anthelios ultra-light sunscreen can be used as body and face sunscreen. This sunscreen is formulated with only mineral filters, no chemical filters included. It is water-resistant (80 minutes) and gives a non-greasy finish.

• Oil Free
• Fragrance Free
• Paraben Free
• Non-Comedogenic
• Allergy Tested

Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel lotion sunscreen SPF 30

Sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 provides hydration and protection against UVA/UVB rays. This water-resistant sunscreen leaves skin healthy and hydrated for up to 8 hours without any grease and white caste. It is incredibly lightweight and invisible under makeup. Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel lotion sunscreen SPF 30 is oil free and non comedogenic which means it won’t clog pores.

• Non-Greasy
• Fragrance Free
• Light texture
• Allergy Tested
• Parabens Free
• Non-Comedogenic

Dry skin

Choose moisturizing sunscreen if you have dry skin. Look for a cream-based sunscreen for extra hydration. Also, sunscreen has ingredients like glycerine and aloevera.

Sunscreens Selection

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

Lightweight sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 absorbs quickly and provides hydration to the skin. It protects against UV radiation and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion gives light and non greasy finish.

• PABA Free
• Non-Greasy
• Light Weight
• Water Resistant
• Dermatologist Tested

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Body Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 60

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Body Sunscreen Lotion hydrates your skin and protects you from sun damage. The key ingredient is prebiotic oat, which deeply hydrates your skin and makes it soft. This hydrating sunscreen prevents your skin from UVA and UVB radiation and decreases skin cancer risk.

• Parabens Free
• Phthalate Free
• Oil Free
• Oxybenzone Free
• Dye Free.
• Water Resistant
• Sweat Resistant

Sensitive Skin

But if you have sensitive skin, you should choose a sunscreen with UVA and UVB filters with SPF 50. Select physical sunscreens like zinc and titanium dioxide. Fragrance-free and paraben-free sunscreens are ideal for sensitive skin.

Sunscreens Recommendations

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Daily use SPF 50 sunscreen lotion. It is packed with vitamin E oil, non comedogenic, and protects against UVA and UVB radiations. SPF 50 lotion is suitable for all skin types. Apply every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.

• Allergens Free
• Oxybenzone free
• Octinoxate free
• Gluten free
• Cruelty free
• Parabens Free

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 | Face Sunscreen

It is 100% mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen. No chemical filters are included so best for sensitive skin types. The lightweight formula contains essential ceramides which protect the skin barrier, provide hydration and lock the moisture. This Sunscreen includes hyaluronic acid, the key ingredient in delivering hydration.

• Non comedogenic
• Oxybenzone Free
• Oil Free
• Paraben Free
• Fragrance Free
• Chemical-filter Free
• Dermatologists Tested
• Allergy Tested