Protect yourself this summer
When I think back to my childhood in Africa, where the sun always shone brightly, I remember spending hours under the sun. My skin would turn a deep brown, and I loved the warmth. But, like many people, I wasn’t always aware of the dangers of the sun. Sometimes, I would get burned, but I didn’t think much about it at the time. Today, I apply sunscreen every day, not just for my skin but to protect it from the long-term effects of the sun.
While we are now in the middle of summer here in the Netherlands, I know the sun is wonderful but can cause a lot of damage if we aren’t careful. Even on cloudy days or when we think the sun’s intensity is lower, the damage the sun causes is something to keep in mind.
Even in the winter, I apply sunscreen every day. The sun may not be as intense, but UV rays remain active all year round and can still cause damage during the colder months. So, it’s not just in the summer that I protect my skin, but all year round.
The sun in summer: what you need to know
In the summer, the sun is often at its strongest, and the risk of sunburn is higher. Many people think that if they sit in the sun for a few hours, they don’t need protection, but that is not true. The sun is very powerful, and even if you get a beautiful tan, it can cause damage that you will only see years later. Premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer can be the result of overexposure to the sun.
Even if you think you’re not getting burned, UVA rays (which penetrate the deeper layers of your skin) are still active, and they cause long-term damage. These rays are responsible for premature aging of the skin and increasing the risk of skin cancer. That’s why it’s essential to use sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection that shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
Why sunscreen is so Important in the summer
- UV rays are stronger:
The sun is at its strongest in the summer, and the risks of burning or skin damage are higher. This means your skin can age faster or even burn, which is often not immediately noticeable. - Reflection of the sun on surfaces:
On places like the beach, water, or even asphalt, sunlight is reflected, making your skin extra exposed to UV rays. - Sun protection prevents premature aging:
Besides preventing burning, sunscreen also helps prevent early wrinkles and dark spots. The sun speeds up the aging process of the skin.
What can you do?
Now that summer is in full swing, you want to enjoy the outdoors without compromising your health. Here are a few important tips:
- Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily:
This is enough for daily protection against the sun. Don’t forget to reapply it every two hours, especially if you’re in the water or sweating. - Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen:
Make sure the sunscreen protects you against both UVA and UVB rays, and pick a formula that suits your skin type. Brands like SMPL and Loveli offer natural sunscreens that are both effective and skin-friendly. - Don’t forget the sensitive spots:
Lips, ears, and hands are often forgotten when applying sunscreen, but they are just as vulnerable. - Seek shade during peak hours:
The sun is strongest between 10:00 and 16:00, so try to seek shade during these hours to protect your skin.
Conclusion: protect your skin this summer
Summer means enjoying the sun, but it’s also important to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Since I became aware of the risks, I apply sunscreen every day, no matter the intensity of the sun. Sunscreen is not only for vacations or beach days; it’s a daily self-care practice that protects your skin from long-term damage. So, this summer: apply sunscreen, protect your skin, and stay radiant, both inside and out!
Even in the winter, I continue to protect my skin. The sun affects your skin all year long, so applying sunscreen is important to prevent damage and aging.
Want to learn more about how to take care of your skin, even in the summer?
Get in touch with me for a conversation about how to integrate self-care into your daily routine. Click here to contact me and find out how I can help you improve your well-being.