How To Protect Your Skin This Summer
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The outer layer of the skin gets paler, thinner, and less stretchy (elastic) when a person gets older. Blood vessels also get more fragile, and older adults may produce less sweat and oil from the glands in their skin. Many factors contribute to skin aging, such as age-related changes, hormonal changes, chronic health conditions, and the sun.
Everyone needs sun exposure to produce Vitamin D, but unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the eyes, skin, and immune system. Sunburn and excessive UV light exposure can also cause damage leading to premature skin aging or skin cancer.
Ultraviolet radiation is split into UVA, UVB, and UVC based on their wavelength, with only UVA and UVB reaching the Earth’s surface. UV rays can reach a person even on cloudy and cold days, so protect your skin not just from summer but all year round. To know the level of radiation in your area, check the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) UV Index Search.
Use sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin 30 minutes before going out into the sun. This includes the rims of the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet. Re-apply the sunscreen every two hours and after sweating or swimming. Do not forget your lips by using a lip balm with at least SPF 15.
Sunscreen is important because it protects the skin against sunburns and blocks the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Not all sunscreen can protect against UVA rays, so make sure to find a broad-spectrum coverage one that includes protection from it.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat
It is ideal to wear a hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around to cover the ears, eyes, nose, forehead, and scalp. Another alternative is using a shade cap that has 7 inches of fabric draping down on the side and back. If there is no shade cap available, you can also place a large bandana or handkerchief under a baseball cap.
A baseball cap alone is not enough to protect your skin since it does not cover the neck or ears.
Wear sunglasses
Check if the sunglasses can block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Glasses that have dark lenses do not automatically mean that they have UV protection. Sunglasses with labels of “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” or “UV absorption up to 400 nm” mean that they can block 99% of UV rays.
Protect your skin with clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts to cover your skin. It is preferable to wear dark colors, dry fabric, and tightly woven fabric to provide more protection.
You can also buy clothes that are labeled as UV protection factor (UPF). These kinds of clothes are tightly woven, and some have special coatings to help absorb UV rays.
Avoid indoor tanning devices
The ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause wrinkling and skin cancer. Tanning beds are more dangerous than natural light since they have a concentrated source of UV radiation. Other health risks linked to tanning devices and sunbeds are sunburnt skin and eye irritation.
Use a self-tanning product and sunscreen instead if you want to try self-tanning. Remember that a suntan does not indicate good health. A change in skin color after UV exposure, may it be a burn or tan, is a sign of injury.
Protect your moles
The risk of getting skin cancer is higher for those with moles or freckles. Keep an eye out for any changes in your skin, such as a new mole, growth or lump, or any moles, freckles, or patches of skin that can change in size, shape, and color.
If you notice any of these changes, report them to your doctor as soon as possible.
After you’ve ensured that you are protected from the sun, you can do all sorts of outdoor activities that you want. For older adults, the outdoor activities that are safe for them are riding a bike, going on walks, having a picnic, tending to their garden, and socializing in community events.
Know more about older adult care and support in the Ca Care Association News section.
