Natural tips to prepare your skin for sun exposure

Issa D | 02 July 2023
Reading time : about 6 minutes
Natural tips to prepare your skin for sun exposure
Contents

    It's important to prepare your skin before exposure to the sun. Here are a few tips to help you :

    • Use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (30 or higher) to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply it generously and regularly, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
    • Avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
    • Wear clothing that covers your skin, such as a hat, sunglasses and loose-fitting clothes.
    • If you're particularly sensitive to the sun, use chemical-based sunscreens that absorb UV rays instead of reflecting them.
    • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.

    It's also important to monitor your skin during sun exposure. If you notice any redness, blistering or other signs of sunburn, it's advisable to seek shelter in the shade and contact a health professional if you have any concerns.

    How to choose the right sunscreen ?

    It's important to choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type and activities. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice :

    • Check the sun protection factor (SPF) of the cream. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection against UV rays. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
    • Choose a sun cream that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause long-term skin damage, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn.
    • If you're prone to allergies or skin irritation, opt for a non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic sunscreen.
    • If you're involved in aquatic or sporting activities, choose a sunscreen that's resistant to water and perspiration.
    • Avoid sunscreens containing perfumes or potentially irritating chemical ingredients, such as alcohol, lemon oil and oxybenzone.

    It's also important to read labels carefully and follow instructions for use to ensure optimum protection against UV rays.

    Using a self-tanner to prepare your skin for the sun

    Using a self-tanner can be an option to prepare your skin before exposure to the sun. A self-tanner contains ingredients that give the skin a tanned complexion without the need for sun exposure.

    It's important to choose your self-tanner carefully and follow the instructions for use to avoid spots and irregularities. It's also advisable to do a patch test to check if you're allergic to any of the ingredients in the self-tanner.

    It's important to note that using a self-tanner does not replace the use of a sunscreen. You should always use a sunscreen with a high protection factor to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

    Is it advisable to use a UV booth before exposure to the sun ?

    It's not advisable to use a UV cabin before going out in the sun. UV cabins are devices that emit ultraviolet rays to tan the skin. However, these rays can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

    It's best to prepare your skin before exposure to the sun by using a sun cream with a high protection factor and avoiding exposure during the hottest hours of the day. If you want a tanned complexion, you can use a self-tanner that contains ingredients that give the skin a tanned complexion without the need for sun exposure.

    How do you gradually reduce the sun protection factor of your sunscreen ?

    It's important to follow your sunscreen's instructions for use, and not to gradually reduce the sun protection factor. The sun protection factor (SPF) of a sunscreen indicates the cream's ability to protect your skin from UV rays. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection against UV rays.

    We recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. If you are exposed to the sun for a prolonged period, it is advisable to reapply the cream every two hours and immediately after perspiring or swimming.

    It's important to note that the use of sunscreen does not allow you to stay in the sun any longer. If you are exposed to the sun for an extended period, you should move into the shade and avoid the hottest hours of the day.

    What is the recommended age to start enjoying the sun's rays safely ?

    There's no specific age at which you can start exposing yourself to the sun. However, it is important to protect children's skin from harmful UV rays. Babies and young children have thinner, more sensitive skin than adults, making them more vulnerable to damage from UV rays.

    Here are a few tips to protect children's skin :

    • Use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (30 or higher) to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Apply it generously and regularly, especially if the child is sweating or swimming.
    • Avoid exposing them to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
    • Dress them in clothing that covers their skin, such as a hat, sunglasses and loose-fitting clothes.
    • If you're particularly sensitive to the sun, use chemical-based sunscreens that absorb UV rays instead of reflecting them.
    • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.

    It's also important to monitor your child's skin during exposure to the sun. If you notice any redness, blistering or other signs of sunburn, it's advisable to seek shelter in the shade and contact a health professional if you have any concerns.

    What are the dangers of the sun ?

    The sun can be dangerous for the skin and eyes if exposed for too long or excessively. Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, burns and skin damage, as well as eye damage such as cataracts and retinal damage. Excessive sun exposure can also increase the risk of skin cancer. It's important to protect yourself from UV rays by using sunscreens, wearing protective clothing and avoiding exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.

    The sun's harmful effects on the skin : how can it accelerate skin ageing ?

    Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to premature aging of the skin. The sun's UV rays can damage collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of skin firmness and elasticity. The sun can also cause brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as redness and rashes. To prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, it's important to protect against UV rays by using sunscreens, wearing protective clothing and avoiding exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.

    Published on 02 July 2023 at 13:26

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    Issa D

    Issa D

    Web Editor

    I am a doctor and the dean of the Naturopatandco team. My main role is to popularize the information as much as possible to make it pleasant to read. My family has always valued the use of nature and plants to heal itself.