Everything under the sun for fabulous summer skin
Good products will have some common features. Some sunscreens contain moisturising ingredients; protecting and hydrating your skin at the same time. While a certain amount of sunlight can help regulate our body clock, elevate our mood and help our body to produce vitamin D, too much sunlight can be damaging to our skin. Sun damage is cumulative, which means that every little bit adds up over time. The sun protection factor, or SPF, of a sunscreen is an internationally standardised measure of the ability of a sunscreen to filter UV radiation. SPF is calculated by comparing the amount of time it takes to produce the first sign of redness on unprotected skin, versus the time taken to produce redness on skin that has been protected. Therefore, if your unprotected skin reddens in ten minutes, then an SPF 30 sunscreen will give you 300 minutes of protection. Remember though, that swimming and using a towel to dry off may affect that protection, so make sure that you reapply. Babies and toddlers need special skin care. Their smaller body area means that they can become dehydrated easily, so keep fluid intake high. Look for wet nappies - a sure sign that hydration is adequate. If your child needs to be in the sun for a short time, make sure you apply a specific baby or toddler formula. Teenagers with skin issues are able to use gel-based products which don’t block skin pores, or irritate skin which is sensitive and reactive. Self-tanning is a popular option these days. To get the best results don’t take any shortcuts. Make sure you exfoliate and moisturise before applying the product exactly according to the instructions. Be careful with your feet, ankles, elbows and knees and remember that no two people will get the same tan from any one product. Vitamin D is produced in our bodies by the action of sunlight on hormones in our skin. Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium, and we are learning more and more about this essential nutrient. Enjoy the sunshine, but use the safer times before 10am and after 3pm to ensure adequate vitamin D supply. If you feel your vitamin D intake may be insufficient speak to your pharmacist about taking a Vitamin D supplement. SPF 30+: To protect your skin from sun damage, it’s best to wear sunscreen every day, not just when you go on holidays. This is important for the whole family. Apply about half a teaspoonful to each arm, and one teaspoonful to each leg, at least fifteen minutes before going outdoors. Be sure to apply the lotion or cream evenly, use a mirror when applying to your face and be sure not to miss any exposed areas. Use a high quality SPF30+ broad spectrum sunscreen in conjunction with protective clothing, hats and eyewear, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chelsi Woolz enjoys researching and writing about health and beauty. She has a rigorous skincare routine herself and relies on quality beauty products to help take care of her skin. Disclaimer: Article submitters are solely responsible for the content of their articles. ArtiLib can't be held liable for the contents of the articles. Report Abuse | Browse By Category |
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