As summer arrives in parts of the Southern Hemisphere, protecting your skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays is essential. In this article, we provide tips on caring for your summer skin, including understanding sun exposure and damage, selecting the best sunscreen, and practicing proper skin care.
Understanding the Effects of Sun Exposure
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to premature aging, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The sun’s UV radiation penetrates deep into the skin, generating cell damage that builds up over time. Specifically, UVA rays contribute to skin aging and wrinkling, while UVB rays cause sunburns.
Overexposure to both UVA and UVB radiation destroys collagen and elastin fibers that keep skin firm and elastic. This causes fine lines, sagging, leathering, and other aged changes. To minimise photodamage, proper sun protection is crucial. The amount of sun damage also depends on your skin type.
Determining Your Skin Type Using the Fitzpatrick Scale
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type scale categorises skin into six types based on pigment levels and reaction to sun exposure. Created by Harvard dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick, this scale helps predict one’s risk of UV damage.
The Fitzpatrick skin phototypes are:
I: Very fair or pale skin that always burns easily in the sun and never tans. Highly sun-sensitive.
II: Fair skin that usually burns easily but may tan slightly over time. Sun-sensitive.
III: Light brown skin that sometimes mild burns but tans gradually to a moderate brown. Sun-sensitive.
IV: Olive or moderate brown skin that rarely burns and tans easily. Low sun sensitivity.
V: Dark brown skin that rarely burns and tans quickly and deeply. Very low sun sensitivity.
VI: Extremely dark brown or black skin that never burns. Natural sun protection.
Knowing your Fitzpatrick skin type helps determine how much sunscreen and sun protection you need for healthy, damage-free skin over summer.
Choosing an Effective Sunscreen
Selecting a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen is vital for safety and enjoyment in the sun. An SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection is recommended for most skin types.
When choosing a sunscreen, keep these factors in mind:
- SPF level 30-50+ based on your Fitzpatrick skin type
- Broad spectrum formula to protect from both UVA and UVB rays
- Skin type (oily, dry, sensitive)
- Lightweight texture that won’t clog pores
- Added antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and green tea
- Water and sweat resistance for outdoor activity
- Reef-safe if swimming
Additionally, there are two main types of sunscreen:
- Organic or Chemical Sunscreens
Organic sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat energy. Common active ingredients include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and more. While these offer solid UV protection, some chemical filters may irritate sensitive skin.
- Mineral or Physical Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect and scatter sunlight. This forms a physical barrier protecting outer skin layers. Mineral sunscreens are naturally gentle and ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
For full sun protection, liberally apply water-resistant SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen to all uncovered skin 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours while outdoors.
Practicing Complete Summer Skin Care
While sunscreen is crucial, there are additional ways to care for skin in summer:
- Wear sun protective clothing like wide-brim hats, UV blocking sunglasses and lightweight shirts when outdoors
- Seek shade under trees, umbrellas or canopies whenever possible
- Apply antioxidant serum under sunscreen to neutralize skin cell damage from free radicals
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily to counter dehydration
- Gently exfoliate skin 2-3 times a week to remove dead, dulling skin cells
- Use lightweight oil-free moisturisers that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts
Conclusion
Caring diligently for your skin in summer keeps it looking youthful and radiant all season. Make sun safety a priority by using protective clothing, proper sunscreen, antioxidants, and gentleness in your skincare routine. Don’t let sun damage take its toll!
References:
1. Skin Cancer Foundation. (2022). Sunscreen FAQs. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-faqs/
2. American Academy of Dermatology. (2022). How to select a sunscreen. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen/how-to-select-sunscreen
