The Effects Of Sun Exposure On Your Skin

The world we live in is full of sunshine, and we all miss the sun during those dreaded rainy days. It may seem silly to think about sun exposure during a pandemic when people are spending their time inside, but we know that you can’t stay home forever. Sometimes, you just need to venture out.

 

Taking some time outside is totally fine, as long as you take the proper precautions. Besides the obvious of wearing a mask and socially distancing, there’s more protection that you should consider. The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin,so slather on the sunscreen!

 

Let’s talk more about what the sun can do to your lovely face, what steps you can take to prevent sun damage in the future, and how you can improve or reverse the damage that’s already been done to your precious skin earlier in life.

 

How The Sun Affects You 

The Good Stuff

 

Everyone knows how much fun it is to go out and enjoy yourself in the sun. Whether you’re looking for relaxation with a good book or active entertainment, we all end up outside one way or another. It’s because the sun is a huge part of our lives.

 

Many people find that being out in the sun heightens their mood. That’s why people tend to be happy during the summer months when the sun is out for longer periods each day. The sun can also relieve stress, so if you’re feeling anxious, consider going outside to do some stretches or just relax in the sunshine for 10 to 15 minutes. It can do wonders for you. 

 

The sun also helps you sleep. Did you know that the sun’s cycle tells your brain when it’s time to sleep and wake up? That’s why when people have jobs overnight or if they live far north where, some months, the sun never sets, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. 

We naturally want to be up when the sun is, which means that, if you’re having trouble getting tired in the evening, you can try going outside when the sun is setting. This will tell your body that it’s time to start winding down and preparing for sleep. 

The Bad Stuff

 

Not everything we get from the sun is good. We all know you can’t stare straight into the sun because it will hurt your eyes. That’s why sunglasses were such a great invention. 

The heat can also cause head and neck tension or dehydration, so make sure you always have water on hand. On top of all of that, the sun can dry out your skin, burn you, and contribute to wrinkles and dark spots.

 

All that loss of moisture from sun exposure can lead to dry, flaky skin, even when you aren’t peeling after a sunburn. And then the actual sunburn is also itchy and painful. Sure, it will fade in a few days, but it’s definitely an annoying visitor while it’s there. So, with all this in mind, how are you supposed to enjoy your time outside?

 

Luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to prevent sun damage to your radiant skin and to help your skin recover from current damage in the meantime.

 

What You Can Do To Prevent Sun Damage 

 

• Sunscreen.

 

We can’t emphasize enough how important sunscreen is. When you’re heading out and the sun is up, lather on the sunscreen. This goes for when it’s overcast or raining, too. Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it isn’t there, and even on a cloudy day, you can still get a sunburn.

 

If you’re thinking you’ll be in the pool or the ocean so the sun can’t get you there, think again. Unfortunately, water doesn’t stop the sun’s rays, but it does wash away your sunscreen. So, make sure you remember to reapply it as often as you need. 

Similarly, for those with darker skin tones, you may not burn as easily, but sunscreen should still be a vital part of your daily skin routine. 

Plus, many sunscreen companies have started coming out with special sunscreens made to avoid breaking out from constant use. You can also wash your face thoroughly once you’ve come inside for the day to keep your face feeling fresh and not so oily. There are also certain types of foundations made with sunscreen, which are a great option for daily use, especially if you’re not planning to be outside for very long.

 

• Protective Clothing. 

 

In addition to your sunscreen, consider other options for the rest of your body if you’re not planning on spending the day in your bikini. Large, floppy sun hats and big sunglasses can do an excellent job protecting your face from the sun’s sneaky rays. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can opt for a parasol or umbrella to shade your face while you stroll in the sun.

 

• Check Your Medications. 

 

Another thing to be aware of is that some medications might put you at a higher risk for sun damage. If your doctor has prescribed you a new medication and you spend a lot of time outdoors, talk to them about whether the medicine has any side effects having to do with sun exposure. They might recommend wearing sunscreen in addition to long-sleeved tops and long pants or to try and limit your sun exposure. 

 

Okay, so you know how to prevent sun damage in the future, but what can you do for your skin right now?

 

Treating Sun Damage 

 

We understand – you want to look and feel better with the skin you’re in, and you’re worried about possible sun damage. You’re recovering from that sunburn from a few days ago, and you’re wondering: is it still okay for me to use a face mask to soothe my sensitive skin? And the answer is definitely yes! 

Skincare experts have long touted the benefits of face masks for every type of skin. This is especially true of face masks that make use of vitamin C. Actually, vitamins A, C, and E can all bring all-natural benefits for your skin, and they work together well too.

 

The powerful vitamins are soothing agents that can help your skin repair itself in an all-natural way, without the use of harsh chemicals. Face masks help calm red spots on your face and even out your overall complexion for a smooth, radiant beauty.

 

Combined, vitamins A, C, and E can help protect against sun damage by enhancing your skin’s natural defense barrier. 

But why vitamin C in particular? Because vitamin C keeps your skin looking soft and supple by hydrating and locking in moisture, leaving your skin looking youthful and radiant.

 

When trying to lessen or reduce the effects of sun damage, many people turn to the all-natural soothing power of clay face masks. One such face mask that uses vitamin C is by Gleamin, and this amazing mask has more than just vitamins! 

Gleamin’s face mask includes aloe vera and turmeric, as well as yellow clay. The aloe vera in this soothing clay mask is especially great if you’re recovering from sunburn because it naturally cools and soothes the skin. It also has certain compounds which help moisturize your face and even out your skin tone if you have some dark areas. 

The yellow clay locks in moisture and locks out impurities. It’s gentle on your sensitive skin and won’t irritate existing blemishes. Plus, the clay can help you achieve a more even-looking complexion. It’s a total win-win!

 

As we mentioned, this all-natural mask sports turmeric, which you may have heard of when it’s used in your favorite curry dish. But did you know it’s also great for your skin? Turmeric can help soothe redness, especially in the case of acne. 

Turmeric might even help with the scarring after a zit goes away. While facial scarring will fade on its own somewhat, turmeric can work to speed along the process and help lighten the scar, so you don’t have to have any unwanted reminders of that pesky blemish.

 

If you’ve used a face mask before, you know that it’s not difficult. In fact, the Gleamin kit includes its own applicator brush, so you don’t have to worry about using your fingers and smearing your hands’ natural oils onto your face when you’re trying to cleanse it. 

Simply wash your face with an all-natural cleanser and room temperature or cool water (hot water dries your skin out even more) to remove the day’s accumulation of grime from your beautiful skin. That way, the face mask can focus on drawing out any impurities from your skin.

 

The great part about this gentle, soothing mask is that you can use it multiple times per week if you have naturally oily skin, and you’ll notice a difference within minutes of washing it off. Make sure to leave it on for around 10 minutes to fully dry and absorb all the impurities first, though. 

If you combine the weekly use of a face mask and remember to wear your sunscreen on a regular basis, you can lessen the effects of sun exposure, reduce any sun damage, and achieve radiant, smooth looking skin again. You’ll be glowing like the sun in no time!

  

In Summary 

 

We are creatures of the sun, and there’s no harm in playing outside when you’ve made sure to cover all of your bases. We want you to stay safe while you have fun in the sun and learn about all the risks and treatments available for sun damage. 

When you’re proactive about protecting your skin, you can prevent the harmful UV rays from doing future damage to your skin, and you can use moisturizing face masks and lotions with aloe vera and vitamins to help repair some of the previous damage to restore the hydrated, supple, radiant glow you’ve been missing! 

 

Sources

 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00432.x

 

https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=9a64f6ba-8855-44dd-82d7-fe32b00f4e06

 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/sun-damaged-skin-a-to-z