As we each take steps every day to stay safe and healthy, proper skin care should always remain a top priority. The sun’s damaging rays have the potential to cause premature aging, making it all the more important to learn how to shield your skin from lasting harm. Sunscreen and beyond, discover the simple, effective ways to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.

1.Sunscreen: The First Line of Defense

It is an obvious fact that sun exposure comes with a lot of risk, the most dangerous one being skin cancer. While avoiding sun exposure is the best way to stay safe, it is almost impossible to do so as its unavoidable exposure is part of life. In such a case, the single most reliable line of defense against the sun’s harmful rays is sunscreen.

Why Is Sunscreen Important?
Sunscreen can help block out the harmful UVA and UVB rays and protect our skin from the damage they cause. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, applying sunscreen regularly is essential to help reduce the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin damage.

How to Choose and Apply Sunscreen?

• Choose: When selecting sunscreen, go for at least SPF 30 with Broad-spectrum protection.
• Apply: Sunscreen must be applied 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
• Reapply: Apply every 2 hours while outdoors, or after swimming/sweating.

It is also essential to cover every exposed area, including behind your ears and neck.

Knowing Your Skin Part:
When it comes to sun protection, it is also essential to be aware of which type of skin one belongs to. People with fair skin tones get sun damage easily, while those with deeper skin tones have sunburn-resistant skin but are still susceptible to skin cancer.

Sunscreen: A Must-have

At the end of the day, it does not matter what type of skin type one has; sunscreen is a must-have. Always make sure that sunscreen is applied no matter how short the exposure to the sun might be. Skin repellent, sunscreen, UV protection apparel, and sunglasses should be used to reduce the amount of sun exposure and protect the skin from sun damage.

2.Premature Aging & More: The Downsides of Sun Exposure

The sun may do wonders for a beautiful tan, but it can significantly harm your skin. Unprotected sun exposure can cause pigment changes like dark spots and discoloration, wrinkles, premature aging, and in rare cases, skin cancer. For this reason, it’s essential to shield yourself completely when you head outside.

A damaging type of sun radiation is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can cause strong emotional reactions, such as skin burns. Your skin can even become discolored and inflamed when exposed to too much UV radiation. To make matters worse, sun damage is permanent and cumulative. Even short, unprotected exposures add up over time!

Here are just some of the downsides of sun exposure that you should be aware of:

• Granular or textured skin
• Loose, crepey skin
• Zigzag wrinkles around the eyes
• Thin, dehydrated skin
• Age spots/brown spots/liver blotches
• Team of spider veins

Aside from skin damage, prolonged exposure can also increase your risk of skin cancer. For those who have light skin, the risk can become even more significant. Keep in mind, however, that anyone can develop skin cancer, even those with darker skin tones.

Those who are particularly at risk are those who have had too much sun exposure or a tan. The sun-worshippers and those who live in sunny climates may think they’re invincible, but the truth is that it only takes one or two careless sunburns to put you at risk of developing skin cancer. Additionally, it’s even possible to get melanoma in places you wouldn’t normally think of, such as the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.

3.Shield Your Skin: Home Remedies & Other Strategies

We’re often warned about the dangers of sun exposure but still may not recognize the harm we can do by not protecting our skin. While maintaining healthy skin relies a great deal on genetics and diet, there are still steps you can take to shield yourself from the environment and its elements. Read on to learn more about home remedies and various strategies to shield your skin.

SPF Sunscreen
When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun’s intense rays, SPF sunscreen is your best line of defense. UV radiation from the sun can cause long-term damage, such as wrinkles and accelerated aging. It is recommended that you apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen regardless of the season. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or participating in any activities that cause you to sweat.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for skin health. It helps to keep skin looking vibrant and can actually protect it from UV rays. Vitamin C also helps to support the production of collagen, which reduces wrinkles as well as other signs of damaged skin. You can find Vitamin C in fruits and vegetables, but you can also get it in supplement form to ensure that you get the recommended dose.

Anti-Aging Creams
Nowadays, there is a wide range of anti-aging creams available in the market. These products are specifically designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other visible signs of skin aging. Most anti-aging creams are clinically-proven and formulated with lightening agents, brightening peptides and amino acids that help in restoring moisture and elasticity to the skin.

Home Remedies
There are plenty of natural ingredients that can do wonders for your skin. Here are some home remedies to shield your skin:

• Aloe vera: Apply aloe vera gel directly on to skin to help soothe irritations and keep skin hydrated.
• Cucumber: Grate a cucumber and apply it as a mask to help nourish and hydrate skin.
• Honey: Massage honey into skin to help keep skin looking youthful and hydrated.
• Olive oil: Massage olive oil onto skin for a natural deep conditioning.

4.Say Goodbye to Wrinkles: An A-to-Z Guide to Combatting Premature Aging

A: Anti-Aging Creams
The first step to beating wrinkles is to apply a quality anti-aging cream with UV protection. Look for one that will hydrate your skin and smooth out any wrinkles. Look for natural oils like jojoba, almond, or olive oil to help nourish your skin. You can also try an overnight mask to help lock in moisture, as well as vitamin C and retinol to help boost collagen production.

B: Botox Injections
If creams and natural oils aren’t doing the trick, consider trying Botox injections. Many aestheticians will provide this service, and it can provide a quick solution for eliminating wrinkles and lines. Botox is injected directly into the skin and works by freezing the muscle, preventing it from contracting to form wrinkles. It can even help stop the spread of wrinkles if you begin treatment early.

C: Collagen-Boosting Foods
The body’s natural ability to produce collagen, the substance that makes skin look plump and wrinkle-free, decreases with age. To help preserve your body’s production of collagen, you should incorporate foods rich in Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid into your diet. Citrus fruits, salmon, and avocado are all great options to help maintain a youthful appearance.

D: Drink Plenty of Water

Dehydration can cause your skin to dry out and create wrinkles. Be sure to keep your skin moisturized by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It’s also wise to steer clear of caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda, as they can also be dehydrating. You can even add some fresh fruits and vegetables to your water if you’re looking for a tasty way to hydrate!

E: Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the best natural ways to combat wrinkles. Movement helps keep your skin toned and your body from accumulating excess fatty deposits. Aim to incorporate at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise into your daily routine. This can include walking, running, swimming, or even gentle yoga.

With the right protection, you can live life to its fullest and age gracefully. Sunscreen and beyond has given you insight into the many ways you can keep your skin healthy and help ward off premature aging. As you embark on your journey to shield yourself from the sun, may you be inspired to be as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside.