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The coastal life is unique and picturesque, full of the sounds of soothing waves and the refreshing energy of the sea breeze. However, this environment also comes with regular exposure to harsh UV rays. This makes it crucial to incorporate effective sun protection methods into your daily routine to maintain healthy skin. That is why we have provided eight tips here to begin the journey towards safeguarding your skin from the sun’s powerful rays.
1. Choose the Right Sunscreen
The first step for safe coastal living is knowing that not all sunscreens are created equal. For full protection against both UVA and UVB rays, your skin requires a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to be applied every day. Water-resistant formulas are particularly essential when living beside the coast and with an increased chance of water activities.
Reapply your sunscreen every two hours while out and about. If you are swimming or sweating excessively, you will likely be required to reapply more often.
2. Cover Up with Sun-Protective Clothing
Sunscreen, even when applied regularly and all over, is not infallible when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. It is time to also embrace the coastal fashion trend of sun-protective clothing. This means lightweight and long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. You can find the full Carrera sunglasses range at 1001 Optometry, examples of full-coverage eyewear that will protect you against the coastal environment.
These clothing articles are your ultimate allies against the sun’s harmful effects as they are not just coastal chic, but also offer an extra layer of defence against UV radiation.
3. Time Your Outdoor Activities Wisely
To help reduce the chances of getting hit with the full force of harmful UV rays, you can plan when to head outdoors to enjoy the day. To beat the heat and the chance of painful sunburns, try scheduling your outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are less intense. For example, a twilight market is a safe time to enjoy the last rays of the sun without damaging your skin.
In turn, it is best to avoid heading outside during the hours between 10 am and 4 pm, as this is when the sun is at its peak. During this time, you face an increased risk of sunburn and other skin damage like photoageing.
4. Stay Hydrated
During the long days spent enjoying the water and sun of the coastline, sun protection goes beyond skin level. Hydration is just as crucial for your health in the sunny days ahead, so be sure to drink more than the advised amount to prevent dehydration.
On top of maintaining moisture levels, hydration improves the skinโs resilience to sun damage. It also has the added benefit of promoting an overall more healthy complexion.
5. Mind Your Reflections
It is important to remain diligent during the day of the reflections from the sunโs rays. The coast offers reflective surfaces like sand, water, and even buildings, intensifying the impact of UV rays in a way that can do significant damage to your skin.
While enjoying the day, keep an eye out for your surroundings, especially when lounging on the beach or participating in water activities. Make sure to apply sunscreen to sensitive areas such as the underside of your chin, nose, and ears to help protect these often overlooked areas.
6. Regular Skin Checkups
Effective sun protection does not have to be done at the exact moment of being outside in its rays. You can also protect yourself by keeping a close out on any noticeable damage and by scheduling regular checkups with a dermatologist.ย
Coastal living may expose you to higher levels of sunlight than the average person, thus increasing the risk of skin cancer and other damage. Early detection is key, so any changes in your moles and freckles, or the appearance of new spots, should be promptly examined by a medical professional as soon as possible.
7. After-Sun Care
No matter how careful you are, there are still days when sunburns can happen. Preparing yourself for these instances can help expedite your skinโs recovery, so be sure to have soothing after-sun products on hand. Look for ingredients such as chamomile or aloe vera, as these are known to alleviate discomfort even as skin reparation is boosted.
While healing, be sure to avoid further sun exposure until your skin is fully recovered to prevent heightening the damage. You should also consider incorporating a moisturiser and antioxidants into your routine to combat oxidative stress caused by sun exposure.
8. Mindful Skincare Routine
Finally, you can help protect your skin against the unique coastal climate by adjusting your skincare routine accordingly. This means incorporating products that focus on hydration, sun protection, and skin repair. Look for moisturisers with SPF, antioxidants, and ingredients like vitamin C to help combat sun damage and maintain a radiant complexion. Regular usage will help your skin build a strong foundation against future damage.
Conclusion
Coastal living brings numerous joys, and with the right sun protection measures, you can fully embrace the sunny days ahead. From choosing the right sunscreen to incorporating sun-protective clothing into your wardrobe, these tips will help you safeguard your skin while enjoying the coastal lifestyle. Prioritise your skin health, stay hydrated, and practice sun safety to ensure that your time by the coast is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for your overall well-being.