Sun Protection Is Vital For Healthy Glowing Skin

SPF should be part of our everyday routine. And it’s not just part of a female’s skincare routine, SPF is for everyone. It is the last product you use after your daily moisturiser, and the first product before your foundation when using on the face.
 
Whether you’re out in the sunshine in your t-shirt and shorts, laying on the beach, or just soaking up the sun in the garden with your bikini on, sun cream should be all over that gorgeous body of yours.

Why you need to be wearing SPF
 
The sun’s rays are damaging to our skin and too much exposure will lead to sunburn, damaged skin, and even skin cancer. 
 
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and acts like a shield when applied to our skin. It stops the sun penetrating the skin and causing damage to the skin cells. We go brown and tan as a natural defence to the sun. By actually tanning, your skin is telling you that it is damaged. But, like everything which is bad for you, we like this tanned look. We perceive it to be healthy.
 
UVA and UVB are rays you should know about
 
The sun emits many rays, but two that affect our skin are UVA and UVB:
 
UVA rays penetrate the skin and can cause premature ageing in the skin, and at worse skin cancer;
UVB rays burn the skin, so cause reddening and sunburn. These also play a huge part in skin cancer and melanomas.
 
When looking for sun cream, aim to get one which protects against both of these rays.
 
SPF Numbers, what are they?
 
Don’t be fooled by the numbers.  The higher the SPF number the better. Whether you choose to use a SPF15 or a SPF50 you are still going to get the same tan. By using an SPF with a higher number, it is going to take longer to burn your skin, so more protection.
 
Application for best results
 
You need to apply your sun cream before sun exposure. Then again during exposure as the sun rays are breaking the barrier down. Swimming and sweating will also contribute to the effectiveness of the SPF. It is not a body cream which you can apply in the morning and leave for the rest of the day. SPF is constantly under threat, with the sun’s rays chipping away at its protective shield. And don’t forget those nooks and crannies - ears, nose, backs of hands and balding heads! 

Quantity of product to use
 
This is not a case of less is more. More is better. You should aim to apply at least a tablespoon of product to each limb and massage in well. By applying before sun exposure, it not only has time to absorb but also stops you getting covered in sand if you are on the beach.
 
Stay Safe and have loads of fun
 
As well as being protected from the sun by applying your chosen sun cream, remember to also stay hydrated, stay out of the sun at the hottest part of the day, cover up with loose clothing, and wear a hat.

If you are sunburnt, then cover up. Apply after-sun regularly to soothe and heal the skin. For an extra cooling effect, keep your after-sun in the fridge. It may be a shock going on, but you will definitely have that ‘aah’ moment a few seconds later.
 
Be aware of the moles you have on your body. If you should notice any new ones or ones that are changing, weeping, or sore, then consult your doctor.
 
Expiry Date, make sure you know it!
 
Sun products are one of the quickest to deteriorate. Aim to use up all your sun cream on holiday. It will be no use at protecting your skin once it is 6 months old. The SPF is declining all the time after opening. Every product will have a stamp on it to tell you it’s expiry date after opening. However, if you have had it for a year since opening then use it as a moisturiser as it will still hydrate, even though the protection may be gone. Don’t risk it. Get a new bottle.

Eyes, Hair, Nose and Ears they are included as well
 
It’s the little things that matter. Protect your eyes with a good quality pair of sunglasses. 
Some body oil SPF products are also good to protect your hair as well, so spray away. Your nose is out there leading the way, so you might want to get a separate sun stick to give this area extra cover, and then finish off by using it on the top of your ears if they are outside of your hair.
 
Self-Tan is so easy
 
For those tan lines there is always a self-tan to fill it in. Or, if you just can’t sunbathe, then self-tanning products will be your best friend for achieving that golden look. But remember, these are not protecting you from UV rays, so you will need to apply SPF on top.
 
To sum up there are a huge number of products to choose from, all at different prices, and something for everyone’s budget.
 
Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe.