How To Protect Your Skin From The Sun's UV Rays

Summer is here, and with temperatures rising, you’ll be tempted to take on some Pinterest-worthy pursuits, like beach holidays and picnics in the park. 

Many of us sunbathe to get the perfect natural tan and not something from a bottle. But no matter how wonderful being in the sun can feel, the benefits of sun exposure (as a natural source of vitamin D) also come with drawbacks.

Overexposure to the sun can lead to sun damage, as the harmful UV rays cause hyperpigmentation and sun spots. Without proper UV skin protection, you may also get sunburn and notice early signs of ageing. Some research has shown that people who spend a lot of time in the sun are more likely to develop skin cancer. 

At The Blemish Clinic, our advanced electrolysis treatment removes sun spots that might have appeared during your time outdoors. Contact us to book an appointment.

In this guide, we’ll explore a summer skincare regimen that will help you enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about sun damage to your skin.

1. Broad-spectrum Sun Cream

Sun cream is one of the most essential summer skincare products to add to your morning routine. Wearing sun cream should actually be a year-long practice, but is especially important during the summer. Whether you’re stepping out to pick up a parcel, going for a swim, or sunbathing, you need to lather up all exposed areas of your body with a broad-spectrum sun cream.

Buying any old sunscreen won’t do - you need to read the fine print. Always choose sunscreen that’s SPF 15 and above; ideally, choose SPF 50. Also, make sure your sun cream offers protection against both UV A and UV B rays. 

UVA exposure leads to loss of elastin and collagen, resulting in early signs of ageing and the formation of sun spots due to the overproduction of melanin. Excessive exposure to UVB radiation can be harmful, causing sunburn, damage to the skin cell DNA, and an increased risk of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis (precancerous cells).

So, don’t forget to top up your sun cream every two hours as part of your UV skin protection routine.

2. Staying Hydrated

No summer skincare tips are complete if you’re not staying hydrated. The human body is 60% water, and dehydration impacts our every organ: the kidneys malfunction, hormones become unregulated, the skin loses its elasticity, and muscles start cramping. When the body can’t flush out toxins, you may also notice skin effects, like acne and breakouts. 

The NHS recommends drinking about 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, which is especially important in the summer. During the warmer months, the body temperature increases, and to keep it regulated, you need water. You’ll also sweat, which needs to be offset by staying hydrated. 

3. UV Protective Clothing

Your summer skin prep is incomplete without investing in protective clothing. While the warmth of the sun on your skin might feel great, it can also cause skin damage. It’s important to wear a wide-brimmed hat or carry a UV-blocking umbrella, as well as investing in good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. 

Choose organic cotton clothes and lingerie, as this material is sweat-wicking, comfortable, breathable, and sustainable. Avoid wearing synthetic materials like polyester, especially during the daytime, as these can make you uncomfortable.

In the warmer months, wear light-coloured clothes that help reflect the sunlight, keeping you feeling cool. Go with pastel shades, whites, and light blues. Darker hues offer better sun protection but will make you feel hotter.

4. Limit Prolonged Exposure

Lounging by the pool or on the beach can feel relaxing, but it can wreak havoc on your skin. If you can, avoid being in full sun between 10 am and 4 pm.

With heat waves becoming common in the UK, prolonged exposure to the sun is more likely, leading to sunstroke and an increased chance of skin damage. Plan your activities early in the morning or in the evening, when it’s cooler and more pleasant. 

5. Moisturise Your Skin

Many people think that moisturiser is only for the winter months, but this isn’t true. 

One of the most essential summer skincare products is a lightweight moisturiser. During the summer, exposure to heat and constant humidity leads to skin dehydration and dry skin. Air conditioners, which are becoming more common in offices and commercial buildings in the UK, can also lead to dry skin. And then there’s chlorine in swimming water, which can strip your skin of essential oils. 

To counter these drying effects, moisturise your skin in the morning and night. It’s good practice to use a lightweight moisturiser that feels lighter on the skin and doesn’t clog the pores. Moisturiser also acts as an additional skin barrier, protecting your skin from environmental damage. 

6. Exfoliation and Soothing

During the warmer months, your skin is likely to experience severe build-up of everything from sweat and sun cream to makeup products, dirt, and grime. This can clog your pores, leading to breakouts, blemishes, and a dull appearance. 

To prevent the accumulation of buildup, exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrubber. You should only exfoliate once a week, as over-exfoliation can aggravate skin damage as it strips the essential oils from your skin.

Never scrub your skin if you’ve experienced sunburn and always follow up exfoliation with a soothing serum and moisturiser. 

Get Your Sunspots Removed at The Blemish Clinic

Sunspots or age spots are hyperpigmentation that can make you feel self-conscious. While sun cream and the other summer skincare products mentioned in our guide might reduce your chances of sun damage, there’s no guarantee that they’ll work 100% effectively.

At The Blemish Clinic, we can help you remove age spots with advanced electrolysis, a relatively pain-free, affordable, and long-lasting solution. In this procedure, a low-voltage current is passed through a probe, and the damaged skin cells are killed and brought to the surface, where they flake off, revealing blemish-free skin. 

Book an appointment with us to learn more about our process.