It is common knowledge that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin as well as wreak havoc on one’s general health.
If skin is exposed to the sun without protection over a long period of time, this can result in skin cancer as UV rays significantly damage elastin, which is the skin’s delicate fibres.
Initial signs that skin is experiencing a loss of elastin is when it starts to stretch and sag. Without proper care and treatment, skin will also become more prone to bruises.
How to protect skin from exposure to damaging UV rays
• Stay in the shade
Avoid direct sunlight by staying indoors. If you have to go out, choose modes of transportation that provide shelter from the sun such as buses or cars. If you have to walk, remember to choose a path with lots of shady trees, and use an umbrella whenever possible.
• Apply sunscreen
Many people don’t use sunscreen, thinking that if they are indoors, their skin won’t be harmed by UV rays.
This is only true if you are in a place indoors where there are no windows or doors that UV rays can penetrate through.
Some do not wear sunscreen during autumn or winter or during the rainy season, believing that cooler weather means fewer UV rays.
This cannot be further from the truth as there are still UV rays aplenty even during stretches of cool weather.
It is therefore important to choose types of sunscreen that contain both UVA and UVB protection, with SPF 30 or higher.
If you are exposed to the sun for more than two hours, or have perspired profusely due to high-intensity physical activities, remember to reapply the sunscreen.
- Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses offer protection to not only your eyes but also your skin, especially the tender area around the eye.
- Choose appropriate clothes and hats
Opt for clothes and hats that are made from tightly woven fabric as they offer better protection against sunlight.
Choose dark-coloured clothes rather than light ones. Straw hats may look nice on you, but avoid using them as the holes in the hats allow damaging sun rays to pass through.
This article first appeared in hellodoktor.com and was reviewed by Dr Duyen Le. The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.