Sun Protection: Dos and Don’ts

While spending time outdoors is a great way to reduce stress and get moving, it is still important to practice sun safety. This is to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging and sun damage. UV rays, furthermore, can penetrate clouds and reach your skin, which is why you should make sun protection a priority.

Wearing sunscreen daily is a must, but it isn’t the only thing you need to know about sun safety. Here are the dos and don’ts of sun protection.

Dos

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen – Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. It should also be water-resistant and has a sun protection factor or SPF of at least 30.  

If you’re in the market for a new sunscreen for your face, we recommend two broad-spectrum sunscreens from Dr. Sylvia Skin Care: Clear Defense SPF 45 and Sheer Defense Tinted SPF 46.

• Clear Defense SPF 45 with Broad Spectrum – is a lightweight fast-absorbing formula that helps prevent UVA/UVB and infrared damage to the skin. It can also reduce redness, blotchiness, and hyperpigmentation, and improve the look of lines and wrinkles
• Sheer Defense Tinted SPF 46 with Broad Spectrum – is an antioxidant-rich formula that contains soothing ingredients. It provides broad-spectrum coverage against UVA/UVB and infrared radiation and features a universal tint that suits most skin types.

Limit sun exposure – This is especially true during peak hours, between 10 am and 4 pm. If you need to be outside during this period, wear sunscreen, seek shade, or use an umbrella. One easy tip to remember: If your shadow is shorter, seek shade. 

Reapply SPF – When outdoors, be sure to reapply sunscreen about every two hours, or after sweating or swimming. Reapplication of SPF helps keep your skin protected. Make sure to do this even if you use water-resistant or sweatproof formulas, as their protection doesn’t last indefinitely.

Apply sunscreen liberally – According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most adults need about one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) of sunscreen to completely cover their body. Be sure not to forget frequently missed spots such as the ears, back of the neck, and tops of hands and feet. 

Don’ts

Wait until you’re outdoors to apply sunscreen – Apply SPF 15 to 20 minutes before going outside. It takes several minutes for the skin to absorb the sunscreen’s protective ingredients. 

Forget to check your sunscreen’s expiration date – Always check the expiration date on the level. Don’t use an expired product, as it won’t give you enough protection and even put you at risk for breakouts or skin irritation. Check out the 3 ways to tell if your sunscreen has gone bad if the expiry date has been erased or rubbed off. 

Depend on the SPF in your makeup – Makeups are not always a good source of SPF. This is why even if your foundation, concealer, or face powder has SPF, you still need to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen. SPF needs to be applied underneath your makeup.

Rely on sunscreen alone – Wearing sunscreen is important, but it isn’t the only way to stay sun safe. Other sun protection measures include:

• Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin.
• Wear wraparound glasses that block 99% of UV light.
• Protect your lips; use a lip balm with SPF.
• Seek shade or use an umbrella
• Don’t use tanning beds

Browse through our blog for more skincare tips and product recommendations. Don’t hesitate to contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to learn more about our treatments for healthier and younger-looking skin.