Sun Smarts: 12 ways to get savvy about your skin’s sun exposure

THE TANNER'S GUIDE TO A HEALTHY SUMMER TAN

DO get a fake tan: Skip the endless hours basking in the sun and get your perfect summer tan from a bottle. While a bit of sun exposure is good for our body’s vitamin D production, there is no such thing as a healthy tan, as any level of skin darkening indicates some sort of sun damage. The best way to get a bronzed-up glow is to use self-tan products at home that are easy to use and offer even, natural-looking colour.
DO avoid direct sun during peak hours: We all love a summer’s day spent outdoors but at certain times of the day the sun can be dangerous. The sun’s rays are at their strongest between 10am and 2pm, so try to schedule your outdoor activities before or after these hours. If not possible, find a spot in the shade and cover up with a sun hat, sunglasses, kaftan or other protective materials.
DO apply after-sun lotion: Taking care of your skin after sun exposure is just as important as prepping it for sun exposure. Even if your skin hasn’t been burnt by the sun, it’s important to hydrate it after exposure as the sun can be incredibly drying. After-sun products are specifically formulated with this in mind, offering plenty of hydration and cooling formulas.
DO choose a broad-spectrum SPF formula: When in doubt, always go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen for ultimate sun protection. It’s important to select a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection to ensure you’re protected against sunburn as well as against developing signs of ageing.
DON’T forget to reapply SPF: The application of sunscreen is not a one-and-done process – you need to reapply. As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended you reapply after every two hours. You may need to do this more often if you are swimming or sweating, and less often if you are indoors. Even when a sunscreen is water-resistant, you’ll need to reapply it after swimming to ensure you get full protection.
DON’T bake in the sun: We all know that a fake tan is the healthier option, but there will always be people who opt for a natural tan. If you’re going that route, it’s important to take precautions. Don’t lie in the sun and bake during peak hours. Get your tanning done in the early morning or late afternoon. Protect your skin with a tan-enhancing SPF product, which protects skin from the sun while helping to enhance the natural tanning process.
DON’T forget smaller parts of the body: It’s easy to forget to apply SPF to your ears, lips or even between your toes, but don’t neglect these areas. Skin cancer often develops on our ears because they’re usually forgotten when it comes to sunscreen.

EXPERT CORNER

Daria Jelavic, Foreo PR manager for the MEA region, shares five common summer skin problems and how to combat them

Sunburn: With the hot summer sun, it’s easy to get sunburned. If you do, drink plenty of fluids and apply a cool compress or an after-sun product to soothe the skin.
Dry and irritated skin: Heat and humidity can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. If you usually have dry skin, then pool water or too much sun exposure can make it worse. Use a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser that’s right for your skin type. You may also want to exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. Besides moisturising, using SPF daily is an essential part of your skincare routine.
Heat rash: Heat rash, also known as miliaria, occurs when sweat glands become blocked. This can happen in hot, humid weather or after spending time in a sauna or steam room. Symptoms include small red bumps on the skin, itchiness and discomfort. If you have a heat rash, apply a cool compress to the affected area. Wear loose, breathable clothing to help reduce irritation.
Insect bites: Summertime and bugs go hand in hand so if you get bitten by a mosquito, tick or another insect, you may experience itching, swelling and redness. One way to protect yourself is to wear protective clothing. LED light therapy also helps with rashes and insect bites.
Hives: Hives caused by allergy to the sun is another common problem. Sun allergy causes the body’s immune system to react to sunlight. Symptoms include itching, redness and raised bumps. If you have a sun allergy, you should avoid sun exposure and wear protective clothing when outdoors.