Skincare Mistakes That Lead to Sun Damage
From premature aging to skin cancer, we all know that sun damage can wreak havoc on our skin. But did you know that some tried and true skincare habits might be doing your skin more harm than good? If you do any of the following, it might be time to revisit your skincare regimen.
Only lathering up when its sunny outside
Why wear sunscreen when it’s overcast or cloudy outside? UV rays can still reach your skin when skies are grey, causing untold damage when you’re least expecting it. To help protect your skin, wear sunscreen whenever you know you’ll be spending time outdoors. If you’re planning on hitting the slopes or sand, make sure to pack extra sunscreen – these vistas can cause even more sun damage as they reflect the sun’s rays.
While a higher SPF sunscreen is a good start to protecting your skin, it’s not the end all be all to blocking UV rays. Wearing a hat, bringing a lightweight cover-up and sunglasses can not only be fashionable but also highly effective in protecting your entire body. On the parts that aren’t covered, don’t forget to keep applying sunscreen throughout the day!
Don’t forget your lips and neck!
Unlike the skin on your hands and face, the skin on your lips is much thinner and more susceptible to damage. When the weather warms (and throughout the year), be sure to drink plenty of water and invest in a lip balm with sunscreen.
Like your lips, the skin on your neck is more delicate than skin elsewhere on your body and is often overlooked by routine skincare regimens. However, the thinner skin here is also more likely to show the first signs of sagging caused by both aging and sun damage. With that in mind, be sure to pay as much attention to the care you give your neck as you do to the rest of your face. Use a high SPF sunblock and reapply regularly if you’re sweating or swimming. Be
Spending too much time in direct sunlight
After being cooped up all winter, it can be especially tempting to spend every waking moment enjoying the warm weather. However, spending tons of time during the hottest parts of the day won’t quite get you the golden tan you’ve been craving. Sun exposure without the relief of shade or sun protection can leave skin vulnerable to burns and other skin damage. Instead of trying to literally soak up the sun’s rays, time your outdoor excursions before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. – the hottest parts of the day.
Over-exfoliating at night
As the days get hotter, its only natural that we start to get hotter faster. Daily scrubs and exfoliants might seem like the ideal solution for getting rid of daily grime, but when it comes to protecting your skin from sun damage, this can actually be more damaging. Exfoliating more than a few days a week exposes new skin to sun damage, which can accelerate your risk of sunburn and premature aging.
Enjoy the Sunshine Worry-free
At Aria DermSpa, our goal is to help patients enjoy beautiful skin year-round and year after year. With spring just around the corner, be sure to schedule your dermatology appointment with Dr. Donofrio and get your warm weather skin routine ready.