Protecting Your Skin from the Sun

One of the best ways to delay the aging process is to protect the skin from the sun. This means using sunscreen every time a person is exposed to sunlight. Do not sunbathe (this includes tanning beds), and always use a moisturizer to keep the skin soft and pliable. There is no way to stop the effects of aging. But there are ways to make the aging process less noticeable and avoid skin cancer. Many people still sunbathe even though they have been warned about the negative effects of the sun. While a day at the beach sounds relaxing, the reality is that people are permanently damaging their skin.

As people mature, their bodies begin to lose vitamins necessary for soft skin. The skin begins to take on a dry, rough appearance. Wrinkles and age spots may begin to appear. People who have spent lots of time in the sun usually show these signs before they should. When outdoors, find products that will minimize this damage and help a person keep up their skin's fresh appearance. The number one rule is to never leave the house without sunscreen. Many daily moisturizers have SPF to make using sunscreen more convenient. SPF means Sun Protection Factor. The larger the SPF number, the longer a person can stay out in the sun without being burned. Look for moisturizers with at least 15 SPF.

It is recommended that people wear moisturizer with a sunscreen even if they spend the majority of their time indoors. Sunlight can damage the skin through windows and other openings. It may take longer, but all day exposure through a window could have serious effects on the skin. Being protected all day means that a person can go outside at any time during the day and feel safe from the sunlight. Each day, the sunscreen must be applied. When going to the beach, it is important to use an SPF with a higher number such as an SPF 30 or 45. This will protect a person from more direct rays.

Combining moisturizer and sunscreen may also help those who have skin issues such as acne or dry skin. Many times older skin will be drier than younger skin. Using a daily moisturizer with a sunscreen will help keep the skin soft and hydrated while protecting it from the sunlight. Always drink plenty of water and try to get enough vitamin C and calcium during the day. This will also help to keep skin looking young and healthy.