By Samantha H.
Ready for summer? Don’t step outdoors until you know the facts about safely caring for your skin in the sun.
*Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin ageing. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF, limit time in the sun and wear long-sleeved protective clothing and sunglasses*
Myth One: I only need to apply sun protection to my face and limbs
The Facts: While your face, arms and legs may have the most surface area of exposed skin, don’t forget to apply SPF from head-to-toe. Sunburn can target all areas of your body with a harmful effect. Work from the top down with your scalp. Apply a small amount of sun protection to your finger and gently dap it along you hair parting to keep this exposed skin from sun damage, especially if you’re not wearing a hat. If your hair is up, make sure your ears and the back of your neck get coverage too.
Our lips can also suffer from sun damage and accelerated ageing signs due to UV rays. Take a pea-sized amount of your sun protection such as the JASON Facial Natural Sunscreen SPF20 on your finger and gently apply to your lips directly and the area around your mouth to protect this delicate skin.
Finally, make sure your feet and toes are covered in sun protection too – sandal season can cause some interesting tan lines!
Myth Two: I don’t need to apply sun protection in the shade
The Facts: At the hottest times of the day (the American Skin Cancer society suggests 12-2pm), stepping under cover is the best time to reduce your exposure and reapply your sun protection. While your skin is more protected from direct UV rays under a hat or sitting in the shade, indirect exposure from UV radiation can still cause sun damage.
UV rays bounce of surfaces such as water, sand and even concrete which means that even under cover, your skin is still is still not entirely safe from the sun. Especially under thinner shade options like a beach umbrella or tree branches, sun protection in the form of an SPF, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential. For a broad-spectrum protection with a non-greasy finish, use the JASON Family Natural Sunscreen SPF45 at least 15 minutes before going outside and re-apply frequently.
Myth Three: I don’t need to use an SPF indoors
The Facts: If you’re sitting in a room with windows, you need to apply SPF. UVA rays can penetrate cloud cover and glass so applying sun protection as a daily step in your beauty regime is essential to not only protecting your skin, but also keeping premature signs of ageing from occurring. Whatever the weather, a daily application is required. If you suffer from sensitivity and don’t want to use a heavier formula every day, try using a mineral-based option. The JASON Mineral Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 is hypoallergenic and chemical and fragrance free, making it perfect for daily use.
If you’re spending an extended amount of time in the car or driving on a sunny day, it’s also crucial to apply sun protection before you drive and wear long sleeves or gloves where possible.
Myth Four: I only need to apply sun protection before I go outside
The Facts: Protecting your skin from the sun is not a one-and-done deal. Even the strongest formulas need frequent reapplication as your skin absorbs the cream and the UV protection wears off after time. Especially if you are exercising (and therefore sweating) or spending time by or near water, reapplication is necessary to help replenish any washed-away protection.
Especially with children, reapplication is necessary at a more frequent rate as they aren’t likely to be staying still in the sun! Use the JASON Kids Natural Sunscreen SPF45 to top up their initial sun protection throughout the day. The hypoallergenic formula provides long-lasting solar defense to help prevent sun burn.
- Apply your sun protection cream 15 minutes before going outside
- Reapply every 80 minutes (no matter what you are doing)
- Reapply after towel drying
- Reapply after exercise or exposure to water
As well as sun care, click here to discover more warm-weather essentials for your skin and body
