SUMMER AT THE GATES

During the hot summer months, we can spend long hours outdoors in the sun, and whether it’s in a swimsuit at a pool or in shorts on the porch, sometimes much of our skin is exposed to the blazing sun. If your skin isn’t protected with sunscreen or covered with proper clothing, you may end up getting burned and feeling miserable while everyone else is having fun.

If there’s one thing everyone should refuse to stay outdoors without, it’s a sunblock! So there’s no surprise that sun protection products are always on top of the bestseller list at every skin care store.

We advise our readers to wear SPF for all the obvious reasons such as preventing sun damage, skin ageing, and pigmentation. With so many readily-accessible SPF’s to choose from, there’s no excuse for getting burnt. However, we understand that mistakes sometimes happen, and throughout the summer season in particular, many will fall victim to the dreadful rays with their skin getting burnt and compromised by sun exposure.

Summer can be quite unforgiving to our skin. So here are some `hot` tips on how to soothe your burnt skin – and most importantly – prevent it from happening again!

So what is sunburn?

Sunburn is the skin`s inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet radiation from over exposure to the sun. This reaction triggers blood vessels to expand, causing swelling and redness in the area. Sunburn can range from a tanned complexion to a red burn, through to blistering and peeling which is your body’s way of shedding the damaged cells.

There are 2 types of ultraviolet rays that reach earth’s surface and can cause damage to skin are: long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. While UVB rays can cause burning in the top layers of skin, it`s the UVA rays that penetrate much deeper, and play a key role in cellular damage and the premature ageing of skin.

There are so many over-the-shelf products in the market that offer solely UVA protection. However, we strongly recommend products that contain both UVA and UVB filters – offering effective broad spectrum sun protection.

How to soothe your skin after too much sun

Let`s face it, a summer holiday is all about beach fun. You`re carried away, you forget to apply the sunblock, and here we go; your skin is on fire! If you get sunburned, it’s crucial to act quickly and re-hydrate the skin as soon as possible. You must:

• Keep hydrated. Drink ample amounts of water & rehydrate your skin from the inside as prolonged sun exposure causes moisture to be drawn to skin’s surface as a natural response to the dehydration induced by sunburn.
• Cool your body down. Have a cool shower – not too cold that it shocks the body as this can dry out the skin. A reasonable temperature can ease the burn.
• Apply a cool compress. If the burn is localized, apply a cool compress against the sunburned area. Watch it, don`t apply ice directly on skin as this can cause a cold burn and just make your condition worse.
• Regularly apply a soothing water-based lotion. Try keeping it in the fridge for added comfort and cooling effect upon application. Look for products containing Aloe Vera to help hydrate and calm skin. Avoid petroleum or oil-based moisturizers, as they may trap heat and make the sunburn worse.

How to prevent sunburn in the first place!

With the summer season finally showing its true colors, it`s time to roll up your sleeves and take all measures necessary for protecting yourself from the scorching heat of the sun.

A rule of thumb, applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, generously to all the exposed parts of your body is essential to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Apply sunscreen for at least 15-20 minutes before stepping out in the sun.

Can you re-apply? Oh definitely yes! SPF should be applied every two hours and more often when perspiring, swimming or toweling. If you are, by any chance, a makeup fanatic, look for makeup products with built-in SPF protection to shield your skin from UV damage while ensuring you look flawless all summer long.

With so many different SPFs to choose from, here are a few things to remember when choosing a new sun protection product:

• Does it protect against UVA and UVB? Before purchase, make sure the label says “broad spectrum” to ensure that your skin will be protected against both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to check the expiration date also.
• A hat and sunglasses would do! Wearing a broad-brimmed hat can keep the sun off your face, and shades your eyes too. Moreover, protecting your eyes and the delicate skin around them by wearing sunglasses with oversized frames can pay your skin back in dividends.
• Don’t forget to protect your lips from sunburn and dryness by using a lip balm with SPF.

Summer is almost here, and it’s about time to revel in the warmth of the sun-kissed days of the season. However, along with the joys of outdoor ventures and beachside bliss comes the need to take some steps to safeguard your skin from the harsh effects of UV rays and heat. With the temperature skyrocketing, a little self-care goes a `very` long way.

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Consult the experts!

If you are seeking a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance, consider exploring our transformative treatments and embark on your journey to a supple, age-defying, and radiant skin. You can request a consultation at WHAM Clinics here or call us at 16867 to schedule an appointment.