Block The Summer Heat

Hi guys! I know I've been complaining about the summer heat since April started but can you blame me? Every time I go out I feel like my skin gets parched even under the shade of my trusty umbrella. This is why I advise everyone to be prepared because it's like a freaking desert out there! 

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So what do you need to face the summer heat in a tropical country like ours? First of all you need protection from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and plays a major role in accelerating skin aging and can also contribute to development of skin cancer. UVB rays on the other hand penetrate the skin less deeply than UVA rays and is said to be the primary cause of sun burn and skin cancer.

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There are also UVC rays absorbed by the earth's ozone layer together with some of the UVB rays. So most of the UV rays we come in contact with are UVA with a small amount of UVB. This is why you need to choose a sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

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 Another thing to consider is the SPF or Sun Protection Factor. SPF values signify the duration of protection against UVB rays versus not using a sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 which blocks 97% of the sun’s rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology "higher number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s rays but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s rays. High-number SPFs last the same amount of time as low-number SPFs and should be applied approximately every two hours or according to time on the label, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating."

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So what type of sunscreen should you use? It's actually a matter of personal choice and may vary according to area of body to be protected. Creams are best for dry skin and on the face, gels are good for hairy areas such as the scalp while sticks are good to use around the eyes. Sprays are more preferred by parents for its ease of application. Regardless of which type you use be sure to apply it generously on exposed areas of your body like the face, neck and extremities at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.

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Other tips to get you through the summer is to drink lots of water to keep you hydrated and refreshed. Avoid too much sun exposure but if you can't, bring added protection from the sun like a handy umbrella. Umbrellas nowadays have UV protection as well like those manufactured by Umbra. So start giving your skin the protection it deserves and always make sure to never leave home without it. Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

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