Our Ultimate Sun Protection Guide
By this time, we all know that the sun's rays are the chief cause of skin cancer and premature aging. Too much exposure to UV radiation can damage the DNA in our skin cells, which can escalate the production of cells and lead to skin cancer.
Meanwhile, the signs of premature aging, such as lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation splotches, can be caused by the sun triggering free radicals, highly destructive corrosive molecules that act like little knives poking holes in our collagen and elastin.
While it's been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that wearing sunscreen is crucial for preventing sun damage, getting all its benefits is a bit more complicated than just slathering it on occasionally.
- Start Fresh: We all probably have a leftover bottle or two of sunscreen loitering in our linen closets. But, since the active ingredients in sunscreens can lose their potency over time, it's critical to check the expiration date and toss anything past its prime.
- Feel Good about the Formula: It's highly doubtful we'll wear a sunscreen that we don't like. So, it's a good idea to keep experimenting until we find a texture, scent, and application we love.
- Go Broad: Choose sunscreens with UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection to shield skin from the sun's burning and skin-damaging rays.
- Reach for an SPF of at least 30: This is the American Academy of Dermatology's recommended sun protection factor; it is clinically proven to reduce or minimize the sun's damaging effects significantly.
- Apply Indoors Before Getting Dressed: SPF needs at least 20 minutes to sink into skin before it's at its most effective, so applying it when we're already at the beach means we're unprotected at the beginning of our stay there. And sometimes, that's all it takes to sustain sun damage. Meanwhile, trying to work around clothes makes it much more likely we'll apply less sunscreen than we need and miss a spot or two.
- Use Enough: The experts recommend applying at least a shot glass of sunscreen to the body and two teaspoons to the face and neck.
- Reapply Every Couple of Hours: Rub or spray on a fresh layer every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating—even waterproof versions.
- Cover Every Area of Exposed Skin: Dermatologists note that we frequently neglect our lips, scalp, backs of the ears, tops of the feet, and backs of the hands, resulting in burns that can ruin any vacation and cause damage.
- Wear it Daily: Over time, all the short bouts of exposure we get from running errands, going to and from work, and even getting in and out of the car can add up to sun damage.
- Wear It Even with a Foundation that Has SPF: It's doubtful that we'll dab on enough foundation to get its full SPF benefits. So, the experts agree it's best to double up.
- Enhance Sun Protection with Antioxidants: These free radical fighters can help counteract sunscreen's inherent shortcomings (and any application errors) by neutralizing the oxidative stress that sun exposure causes. Our new HYDRI-C Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer is formulated with a potent, yet gentle form of vitamin C packed with antioxidant properties and the ability to brighten and even skin while supporting collagen production. Meanwhile, Kakadu Plum offers another rich source of rejuvenating, repairing, and free radical-fighting vitamin C.
