Suncare tips
THE public is generally aware that overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet ( UV) rays can cause skin freckles, wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. Yet, a lot of men do not take the appropriate steps to protect their skin or apply sunblock correctly.
Proper UV protection involves more than simply applying any sunblock lotion that has been lying in your cupboard over the years. In addition, just because you did not notice any sunburn from your last outing does not mean that you were not exposed to UV radiation.
Here are the easiest ways to protect against UV damage:
Cover exposed skin
Be it chores around the house, sports or any outdoor activity, if you know that you will be spending some time in the sun, wear long- sleeved shirts, long pants and a widebrimmed hat that will cover your ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
Wear sunglasses
There are many sunglasses in the market that offer UV protection that will not only protect the areas around your eyes against skin cancer but your eyes against eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration ( an eye disease that causes vision loss).
Do not use expired sunblock
Every bottle of sunblock has an expiry date similar to our drinks and food. Over time, the lotion’s protective properties and formulas break down and it becomes less effective. Many sunblock manufacturers have a date stamp printed on their bottles for easy reference.
If the bottle does not have an expiry date, it is best to throw it out if you know it has been more than two years since you bought it. Expired sunblock can cause skin irritation or rashes.
Do not keep sunblock in the car
Although having a bottle of sunblock in the glove compartment may be convenient, the intense heat trapped in the car on a dayto- day basis can cause the chemical compounds to react, making the lotion ineffective in protecting the skin.
Reapply sunblock at every outing
Sunblock can easily wash off when you swim or sweat and you are likely to wipe some of the lotion off as you dry yourself with a towel. Whether or not the manufacturer claims the product to be water- resistant, you should reapply sunblock every two hours for optimum protection.
Use sunblock with high SPF ratings
The higher the sun protection factor ( SPF) rating, the more UV rays are filtered before the light reaches the skin. It is recommended to use a sunblock that is of SPF30 or higher.