It's that time of year when the sun is shining, and you probably can't wait to spend time at the beach or on a beautiful trail. Getting that Vitamin D from the outdoors is also great for your health! However, too much sun exposure can be harmful. Here are sun protection practices to keep you tan and glowing without damaging your skin.

ULTRAVIOLET (UV) RADIATION VS. THE SKIN

Did you know that the sun emits both UVA and UVB rays? These rays are invisible to the eye and can cause severe skin damage without the right protection.

• UVB: These rays are responsible for sunburns, dryness and peeling of the skin. They can also cause long-term damage like premature aging, wrinkles and even skin cancer.
• UVA: About 95 percent of UV radiation consists of UVA rays. These penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for skin tanning, aging and wrinkling. They also contribute to skin cancer and can penetrate clouds and glass.

SUN PROTECTION: THE DO’S

Fortunately, there are many simple and effective ways to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. Follow these do’s to keep your skin safe.

DO APPLY SUNSCREEN DAILY

Sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine regardless of the weather or if you're outside; UVA rays will reach you through windows and even on cloudy days. If you're heading outside, look for a product with an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it at least 20 minutes before leaving. Be sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

DO USE PROTECTION FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

Everyone has different skin types and needs when it comes to sun protection. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right products:

• Oily Skin: Look for a lightweight formula that won't clog your pores—like our Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 15 that’s packed with antioxidants and created for acne-prone skin.
• Dry Skin: Choose a cream-based or lotion formula that adds extra moisture to your skin. Moisturizers with built-in broad-spectrum protection—like our Moisturizing Protection Cream with SPF 15—are one of the best choices.
• Sensitive Skin: Opt for a product that contains extra protection. Our Moisturizing Protection Cream with SPF 30 provides a high SPF, multiple antioxidants and powerful lipid protection to preserve your skin health.

DO CHOOSE PRODUCTS WITH BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS

Many active ingredients in sunscreens provide extra benefits for your skin. Look for products with:

• Minerals: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are natural minerals that work as physical barriers to block out UV rays. Since they can't enter the bloodstream, they're safe for your skin and the environment.
• Anti-Inflammatories: Ingredients like Vitamin B, chamomile and rosemary work against inflammation to keep your skin balanced.
• Antioxidants: Vitamin C, E and green tea extract are powerful antioxidants that protect against environmental damage and fight free radicals.
• Ceramides: These lipid compounds reinforce the skin barrier to lock in essential nutrients and moisture, preventing wrinkles and dryness.

DO SHADE YOUR SKIN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin. Wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can help block out UV rays. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) to give your skin a break from direct exposure.

SUN PROTECTION: THE DON'TS

It's not enough to know the do’s of sun protection; you also need to be aware of the don'ts. Here are some things to avoid when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun.

DON'T RELY SOLELY ON SUNSCREEN

While sunscreen is essential for skin protection, it shouldn't be your only defense. Combine sunscreen with other sun-protective behaviors for optimal skin health.

DON'T FORGET TO REAPPLY

Whether you're at the beach or running errands outside, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours. Set a reminder on your phone or keep a bottle of sunscreen in your bag to make reapplying easier.

DON'T IGNORE SUNBURNS

Sunburns are not only painful but also a sign of skin damage. If you do get a sunburn, be sure to treat it properly with a cooling lotion or moisturizer like our Comfort Cream. This product contains concentrated aloe vera to heal and soothe sunburnt skin immediately. Avoid further sun exposure until the burn heals.

DON'T OVERLOOK INDOOR PROTECTION

UVA rays can penetrate through windows, so even if you're indoors, your skin is still at risk. Consider using sun-protective curtains or wearing light sunscreen. Our Moisturizing Protection Cream with SPF 15 can help protect you from UVA rays that don't stop at the glass.

Sun protection is not just a summertime concern; UV rays can penetrate through clouds and bounce off snow and other surfaces. Make wearing sunscreen a part of your daily routine to keep your skin healthy and protected all year round.

Want more advice on how to improve your skincare routine? Contact your local GlyMed Pro for personalized recommendations and tips to keep your skin safe and glowing.