The Sun and Your Skin – How to win the anti-aging skin game

The Sun and Your Skin – How to win the anti-aging skin game

There has been a major shift in recent years away from the golden tanned/bronzed look. Although it is still popular, and as a westernised nation, we seem to still find obsession in ‘looking brown for summer’ there is somewhat of a shift occurring with regards to what we perceive to look good. Cancer councils around the world are trying to reprogram our self-image compasses to a somewhat paler complexion than in previous years.

The shift comes from a scary increase in the statistics for skin cancer in the last two decades. The knowledge we now have regarding this subject has grown immensely, and as such, as a society we are slowly starting to make a change for the better. As good as it may look to have that golden tan, the sad fact is that we are damaging our skin when we expose ourselves to the sun.

When we get sunburnt, this is both extremely dangerous to our skin, and damaging to our aging process. The more we punish our skin by getting burnt, the quicker our skin will age, as it loses its elastin’s that help keep our skin fresh and youthful.

All is not lost though. By applying a few of the tips below, you can reduce the suns effects, and help to stave off some of the damage caused. You can also attempt to slow the aging process of your skin as well!

·         Wear sun protective clothing

This may not always be a practical step, but the simple fact is that if you are able to cover up as much as possible, then you have a natural barrier from the sun’s harmful rays.

·         Slop on broad-spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen

For best results, apply a minimum of twenty minutes before exposure to sun. In an ideal world, you should reapply every two hours.

·         Slap on a hat

Yes, this is all old news, but it’s there because it is effective. Put on a broad brim hat to protect your face and neck as best as possible

·         Seek Shade

Again this is one that should be fairly obvious, and sometimes being out in the sun is unavoidable. Try not to overexpose yourself to the sun if you can.

·         Wear sunglasses

Not only do these make you look at least fifteen percent cooler, they also help to protect your eyes. Well, some sunnies make people look cooler, others are just plain crazy.

Many people will read the above and think; ‘oh yeah, thanks captain obvious.’

Indeed these ideas are not new by any means. In fact they are all old news, rehashed. Perhaps a timely reminder might help you remember why you started wearing sunscreen in the first place?

You only have one skin, so be good to it. If you want to keep it looking young and fresh, then do yourself a favour and be careful in the sun. Better to be pale and youthful looking, than tanned and old before your time right?

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