Tips to protect your skin from the sun during your Holy Week vacation

The Holy Week break means plenty of sun especially when you're planning to spend it on beaches or when doing the Visitas Iglesias. While sunlight naturally gives our body the much needed Vitamin D, excessive and prolonged sun exposure can cause severe sunburn and skin damage.

A skin tan is fine, but anything in excess can give you premature ageing and worst, skin cancer.

To stay safe in the sun, we need to lessen our exposure from the sun's UVR (ultra violet radiation). Here's a few tips to do this effectively:


1. Get off the sun's peak hours

Avoid the hours between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the period when the sun's UVR levels are at their highest.

2. Go under the shade

There's nothing to be ashamed of when you seek shade. Doing so can reduce the amount of UVR you receive. Note that this may not fully protect you as as UVR reflects off many surfaces such as pavement, sand and water, but it can surely limit the damage UVRs can give.

3. Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen, regardless of how white or dark your skin is. A sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ is most suitable, those which provide broad spectrum protection of UVA/UVB coverage. Get it on your skin at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours thereafter.

NOTE: Remember to choose a sun screen that won't cause you any allergies. Ask your dermatologist for advice.

4. Wear a shirt and a hat. 

Always wear a shirt, preferably the ones with long sleeves and collars; and a broad-brimmed hat over your head to protect your face, neck and ears.

5. Sunglasses

You need to protect your eyes from UVRs as long term exposure can lead to cataracts. A good quality sunglass will suffice, and if possible, use one with a close fitting, wrap around style for maximum protection.


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