As most Virginians know, Gold Cup is a huge event that happens every May. The event combines dressing up, giant ridiculous hats, day drinking, pearls, horses, gambling, food and people watching. Yet, there is one thing that tends to slip everyone’s minds—the sun. Due to people having so much fun they forget that the sun is super powerful even on chilly days.
Last year, my friend came to work and sat down in front of me practically in tears. She was so brutally burned that it caused me pain to look at her. When I asked her if she at least wore sunscreen, she sighed and said, “No, it wasn’t that sunny.”
What you need to know about sunscreen:
- Wear it—do you want wrinkles and skin cancer? No, so wear it Every. Single. Day.
- The higher the SPF, the more of a fool you are. SPF refers to Sun Protection Factor, which is responsible for protecting you from UVB rays that burn your skin. Walk down any aisle in the store and you find a huge range of SPFs. However, sunscreen protection actually stops at 50 SPF. Anything higher provides little to no benefit and is actually being studied in Europe for safety. Tip: Wear SPF 45 and apply every 2 hours or every time you get wet.
- Buy Broad Spectrum SPF. Your sunscreen should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin, which contributes to skin cancer and aging.
- Avoid aerosol sunscreens. There are chemicals in the aerosol forms that keep your skin from looking white. The bottom line, you don’t want yourself or your children to breathe in chemicals.
- Just omit Oxybenzone. This is a chemical that helps absorb UV rays, but it also can be absorbed through the skin and has been linked to hormone disruption. The irony is that it has also been linked to cellular damage that can cause skin cancer.
How to practice safe sun:
- Wear sunglasses that rate at 100% UV Protection.
Protects from cataracts, eye cancer, photokeratitis (temporary sun blindness), pterygium (eye growths aka surfer’s eye)
Light colored eyes are more photosensitive.
Wear them even during overcast. - Check your medications—some warn about sensitivity to sun exposure.
- Replace sunscreen every year. It does have an expiration date because the active ingredients that protect you will deteriorate over time.
- Wear sunscreen daily—look for lotions with SPF.
- Apply every 2 hours or after you have gotten wet.
Yes, there is no real such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen! The FDA has created new guidelines that eliminate the term from being used. Sweat-proof and waterproof sunscreens only work for 40 minutes. Just reapply. - Wear a hat. I personally love the floppy hats! So chic.
- Avoid the sun during peak burning times or get under a tent/umbrella.
- Drink lots and lots of water. The sun dehydrates you and opens you up to many things besides sunburns.
- Buy an aloe plant and keep it on hand for those days when you aren’t the smartest. Tip: aloe plants are easy to care for and like sunny windows and a weekly watering. The leaves should feel plump! Did you know aloes can get sunburned too? Don’t let them turn red!
- Get an Ultra Calming Facial for the times you may not have remembered to practice safe sun. Bellezza Spa’s facial is designed to target the triggers behind unwanted redness, itching and stinging. The soothing mask focuses on reducing inflammation while delivering a healthy dose of vitamins. You will uncover healthy skin, better looking pores, combat signs of aging, and relax.
- Get a Bella Manicure. Remember, your hands are often forgotten about in the sun. Give them a calming and relaxing treatment. This will help you fight signs of aging. Tip: Review our recent post, “Summer Nails: Health and Trends.”
***Review our blog post, “Is Your Skin Ready for Spring?” for more fun tips.
Are you practicing safe sun? Even if you don’t forget your sunscreen, come to Bellezza Spa and rejuvenate. We want you to look your best for as long as you can! Book your appointment today and enjoy the best you!
