Precautions Before, During And After Sun Exposure

Sun exposure for longer than the recommended time, or without the necessary precautions, can be counterproductive to skin health. Maybe you just want to achieve a beautiful tan skin, but in reality you can end up with sunburn, premature aging, eye damage and in the worst case skin cancer.

However, there is no need to worry. There are several studies that give you tools and tips to take all precautions before, during and after contact with the sun. These will help you keep your skin healthy and prevent you from getting the consequences we just mentioned. Are you interested in knowing what they are? Just keep reading!

Considerations to take into account before sun exposure

In one of its reports, the National Institutes of Health of the United States (NIH) indicates that sunlight is one of the risk factors for premature skin aging.

In the long run, it also leads to cancer if you do not take the necessary care. Therefore, before exposing yourself to the sun, practice the following recommendations.

Do not use products with alcohol

Perfumes and products with alcohol in the formula are not recommended for the skin. Reason? When they come in contact with the sun, they tend to produce dark spots that are difficult to remove.

Even liquids like lemon juice have this effect. If you apply it on your skin and then are exposed to sunlight, you will notice an almost instantaneous darkening. Be careful!

Avoid waxing or shaving

Some choose to grow at the last minute, before going to the beach or pool. However, this is a mistake. By doing this, your skin will be more prone to irritation of the hair follicles.

Then you may experience pain, inflammation and even infection due to exposure to the sun and other environmental factors. So if you are planning to be outdoors, you need to grow well in advance.

Take care of bruises

If you have bruises, try to avoid sunbathing for a long time. In case you need to be in the sun, try to cover them. As explained by some experts at My Health Alberta, this combination can cause spots to appear in the area where the bruise is located.

Use sunscreen

As much as you want to show off a perfect tan, the health of your skin is the most important aspect you should consider. Exposure to the sun for many hours without sunscreen, which can happen when you go to a beach or a swimming pool, is very harmful.

Sunburn is the least of the problems you may have. In the long run, if you continue to refuse to use sunscreen, you may end up developing serious diseases such as skin cancer. Be careful!

Precautions for sun exposure

This is perhaps the most important step when sunbathing. It is not just before and after, but the caution you should use when you are in full exposure. Consider the following points in this regard.

Drink water

By sweating (a very common process when it is sun and summer) and not drinking water, you lose a significant amount of fluids that can lead to dehydration. Therefore, you must always carry a bottle of water with you to maintain your fluid balance when you do outdoor sports, are on the beach or go to enjoy a day by the pool.

In addition, according to OSDE’s medical network in Argentina, water represents 60% of the body’s composition, so maintaining a good fluid level will ensure that all organs function properly.

Take care of your hair

Hair and sun are not best friends. In fact, if you are planning a vacation trip that involves prolonged exposure to the sun, make sure you take care of your hair.

Wear heat-protective, moisturizing masks, and do not forget to give your hair a boost to ensure the health of all your beautiful hair when you return to normal.

Apply sunscreen again

A simple application of sunscreen is not enough. When exposed to the sun, specialists suggest reapplying the product to ensure optimal protection. According to the American Cancer Society, you should use a product with at least 30 SPF (sun protection factor).

The higher the SPF (sun protection factor), the greater the protection against ultraviolet rays. Take it with you in your bag so you can freshen it up when needed.

Do not use makeup

Makeup before going to the beach or pool can have negative consequences for skin health. Product residues can cause clogged pores when sweating. As a result, the risk of pimples and infections increases.

Skin care after sun exposure

Last but not least is the care that comes after sun exposure. Believe it or not, these steps are just as important as the others we have mentioned, as they make the skin relax after exposing it to ultraviolet rays.

Moisturize your skin after sun exposure

After a long period of exposure to the sun’s rays, it is common for the skin to become dry or dehydrated. To fix this, you should drink between 2 and 3 liters of water a day.

On the other hand, you can add moisture with moisturizers that provide some nutrients. For example, products based on aloe vera or almond oil are good alternatives.

Take a cold shower after sun exposure

Salt or chlorine must be removed from the skin when you get home. To do this, we recommend taking a cold shower. This will allow you to improve the oxygenation of the skin, as well as give you a feeling of freshness. You can supplement it with neutral soap and a gentle drying.

Apply after-sun products

You can find many products that are specially made for sun care. For example, creams made from aloe vera, chamomile and some with mint extracts. These allow you to relieve redness and inflammation if you have been sunburned.

They are also good choices if you have sensitive skin. For a better effect, you can put them in the fridge for a while before using them. This way you will experience more freshness when you apply them on your skin.

Cut your hair after unhealthy sun exposure

Sometimes the damage caused to the hair by prolonged exposure to the sun is irreparable. In these cases, even if you do not believe it, it is best to cut off at least two finger widths at the tips of the hair. You remove the damage and give healthy new growth.

You can also strengthen your hair care with moisturizing masks and other nourishing treatments. Do not forget to use daily heat protection!

What to keep in mind regarding sun exposure

Sun exposure makes it possible to achieve a tan that improves the aesthetics of the skin. However, it is important to remember that too much sun exposure can be harmful. Therefore, we must take certain precautions before, during and after direct contact with the sun to minimize the risk.

If your skin is very sensitive and gets sunburned quickly, it is ideal to maximize caution to reduce the risk. In addition to sunscreen, other things like hats, long clothes and sunglasses can help. Don’t forget to take care of your skin!