When the weather’s good, it can be tempting to spend every waking hour on the beach, by the pool or in the garden. While it’s fun to enjoy the sun, it’s also essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays – so here’s how to look after your complexion.
Use sun cream
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause age spots, sun damage and skin cancer. It’s therefore essential to use sun cream whenever you go outside. Slap on a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and make sure exposed areas are well covered. You might want to apply a lotion with a higher SPF to your nose, lips and ears – as these can burn easily.
One of my favourite products to use on the delicate areas of the face is a sun cream stick such as Kiehl's Mexoryl which comes in SPF 50. If you have recently had any non-surgical procedures such as skin rejuvenation, a chemical skin peel or Botox, it’s a good idea to stay out of the sun and always make sure to take preventative measures in good time.
→ Buy the Kiehl's UV Protect Targeted Sunscreen Stick For Face & Body SPF 50, $50.77, at amazon.com.
Wear a hat
If the sun has got its hat on – you should wear yours. The top of your head (particularly your parting) can burn easily, so make sure you’ve got some protective headgear. A basic baseball cap will do, but if you fancy something more extravagant, let your creative juices flow.
Even if the sun’s not in the sky when you leave the house, you should always be prepared for the mercury to rise. Nothing looks better on the beach than a wide brimmed straw hat, not only will you look cool in one of these hats by Genie By Eugenia Kim but you will be safe in the knowledge that your locks and head are well protected.
→ Buy the Genie By Eugenia Kim Black Band Sunhat, $99.42 (was $178.96), at us.asos.com.
Stay out of the midday sun
The sun’s at its strongest between 11am and 3pm, so stay indoors if you can. Avoid sunbathing at these dangerous times and save relaxing strolls for dusk and dawn. If it’s not possible to stay inside, seek shelter underneath the trees, or make your own shade by putting up an umbrella.
It can be tempting to spend the whole day lying outside reading a book, but this is not good for your skin. Prolonged sun exposure can increase the signs of ageing so make sure don’t try and top up your tan in the peak sun. Botox can be injected to help you to stop sweating but staying cool in the shade is probably the best option when it comes to peak sun.
→ Buy the Sport-Brella Umbrella, $53.77 (was $69.99), at amazon.com.
Be aware of clouds
Believe it or not, you can get burnt on a cloudy day – so be aware. If you feel your shoulders burning, or notice your feet turning red, cover them up immediately. Burnt skin’s extremely dangerous and can peel over a number of days (which can be highly embarrassing). Before going on a day trip, ensure you’ve got everything you need . This Marimba Kaftan from Freya not only looks fantastic but will help protect your skin.
→ Buy the Pieces Butterfly Print Kaftan, $29.83, at us.asos.com.
A hot, balmy day can be blissful, but you must act sensibly in good weather.
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