There are few things more annoying than a painful, blistering sunburn. Depending on how long you spend in the sun without proper protection, your sunburn can be severe or mild. It might range from a slightly tingly pink tint to a sensitive and painful section of skin that feels warm to the touch for days.
Either way, all levels of sunburn put you at risk for more than just itching, burning, and sensitivity. The effects of sunburn can damage your skin cells, causing long-term damage in wrinkles, discolored skin, and even skin cancer.
Thankfully, you can prevent these types of skin damage by adding easy steps to your everyday routine. For example, applying sunscreen as part of your pre-beach routine is a great start.
It will save you from getting burned on the beach before using an initial SPF layer. In addition to the protection that sunscreen offers, you can also prevent sunburn with your favorite beach outfit. Here are four ways to help prevent sunburn.
Choose a Smart Sunscreen
There is no better way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays than with a generous layer of sunscreen. Protecting yourself from sunburn with sunscreen doesn’t just mean using it on beach days or during the summer, either. You should be wearing sunscreen on your face every single day!
Aside from this daily addition to your skincare routine, apply sunscreen to any exposed skin before going outside. The UV rays can be sneaky, so don’t skip this step on chilly or cloudy days.
The best way to choose sunscreen is by looking for a few key phrases. Don’t buy anything lower than 30 SPF, and do consider 45 SPF or higher for the face and other sensitive areas, especially when you’re in direct sunlight. Look for the words “broad spectrum” on the label, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Finally, it’s essential to make it work for you! While thicker spray sunscreens can give you a summary glow at the beach, these are often too greasy for everyday wear. Consider a body lotion and face moisturizer with SPF for everyday use.
Wear Protective Beachwear
If sunscreen is your initial layer, then a protective beach shirt is an added coat of armor in the fight against sunburn. Before summer hits, shop for new beachwear accordingly! In addition to stylish men’s swim trunks, consider buying a rash guard with SPF power to help protect you from the sun.
These shirts can be worn in and out of the water and dry quickly, making them the perfect beach-day companion. Even if your sunscreen gets wet or fades before you can reapply, you’ll have your shirt as a backup layer.
Rash guards were designed to protect surfers from skin irritation on days when it’s too warm for a full wetsuit. Since then, they’ve become a staple in beachwear for both kids and adults because of their comfortable synthetic materials, sun protection qualities, and quick-drying power.
Wear these on the beach, lounging at home, or anywhere! Even though many of these shirts are made with long sleeves, their breathability and general thin fabrics won’t make you feel like you’re burning up in the sun.
Accessorize Accordingly
One of the ways to help prevent sunburn is to accessorize. Some of the worst sunburns happen in the areas where the skin is sensitive and exposed. UV rays can hit the face and the top of the head pretty hard, and the resulting sunburn can be excruciating if you don’t have protection.
One clever way to avoid sunburn in these sensitive areas is to make a hat part of your signature outdoor look. Consider a wide-brim hat for the beach or a classic dad cap for other occasions.
It’s an extra layer of sun protection and fun addition to your wardrobe! On beach days, pair a straw hat with a fun t-shirt and some sustainable swimwear for a look that’s both fashionable and environmentally conscious.
Be “That Umbrella Guy”
This idea mainly pertains to beach days, but it’s still important since many of the worst sunburn stories occur there. In addition to your men’s beach outfits, think about shopping for a super-size beach umbrella as summer approaches.
No beach day is complete without chairs, a cooler, and other accessories, so why not rule the beach day and bring a cool, colorful beach umbrella to give you and your friends a bit of shade throughout the day? After all, sunburn prevention tips are meant to be shared, so spread the word and avoid sunburn! Here are other summer health tips for the whole family.
