Being a teenager, you must have been obsessed with that sun-kissed glow of summer. Spending the entire day around a beach and under the sun sounds so good. But, are you really doing justice to your skin? What if we tell you that the sun-kissed summer glow comes hand-in-hand with skin damage? However, this doesn’t imply that you should stop stepping out or enjoying summer. You just need to take extra care of your skin.
Many teenagers have tender skin, which is extremely sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. Though it is hard to find an exact definition of tender skin, it can be understood as highly sensitive skin that gets irritated very quickly. If you have such a skin type, you must be aware of how you can protect your skin from the sun and keep it healthy. Here are some essential tips that might help:
1. Avoid Peak Sun
People with sensitive skin should avoid stepping outside when the sun is at its peak or when the sun's rays are strongest. This is the time generally between noon and 3 p.m. However, experts recommend avoiding sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even if you have to step outside, make sure that you use sun-protective clothing and accessories.
You might be craving for that so-called summer glow or the sun-kissed look. But going out in the peak sun just to get your skin tanned is not a good idea. It’s totally okay not to get sun-kissed during summer as any amount of tanning is going to damage your tender skin. You can instead use some tinted sunscreen to achieve a sun-kissed look.
2. Use Sunscreen Everyday
Applying sunscreen should be a part of your daily skincare routine, irrespective of the weather outside. Even when it’s cloudy or cold, some of the UV rays are reaching your skin. So, if you believe that sunscreen is only supposed to be used in summer, you are wrong. You need to apply a thick layer of sunscreen on all your exposed body parts. Though sunscreen is a necessity for everyone, it becomes extremely important for teens having tender skin.
Every sunscreen is assigned an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number that indicates its effectiveness in protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays. It is advised to use sunscreen with at least SPF 15. However, sunscreens with SPF 30 are ideal for teenagers. You can check out Fabbeu’s Sun Stoppable SPF 30 Sunscreen, which is suitable for teens with tender skin.
There are a few more things that you need to keep in mind while using sunscreen:
- Make sure that you apply it after cleanser and moisturizer so that it doesn’t get washed off.
- Reapply the sunscreen every two to three hours, especially if you are directly under the sun or near a window.
- Apply the right amount of sunscreen. It is advised to use a quarter of a teaspoon for your face and neck. You can apply it accordingly to the other exposed parts of your body as well.
3. Pick the Right Outfit
Your outfit also plays a significant role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun. Tightly woven fabrics and darker colors provide better sun protection compared to the ones that are loosely woven or light-colored. Also, a dry T-shirt allows more sun protection than a dry one. However, T-shirts are given an SPF rating of less than 15.
There are some specific types of clothing that are certified under international standards and are specially manufactured to provide UV protection. However, it might not be so practical to use this clothing every time you step out. But make sure that you apply sunscreen all over your body when going out in T-shirts or beach outfits.
4. Wear Sunglasses
While sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, these are also very effective in protecting the tender skin around your eyes. By wearing sunglasses, you can minimize the risk of cataracts and of UV rays damaging your sensitive skin. Good quality sunglasses block the UVA as well as UVB rays and offer the best protection. It is one of the essential accessories to carry when stepping out in the sun.
5. Use a Hat For Shade
While a hat may not provide you the complete protection from the sun, it helps you avoid tanning by shading your face, ears, and area around your neck. Choose hats made of tightly woven fabrics, such as Canvas, which provide better sun protection to tender skin. Don’t go for straw hats that have holes that allow sunlight to penetrate. Also, it is advised to choose dark-colored hats for more effective protection. However, using a hat doesn’t eliminate the need to apply the sunscreen. You still need to wear sunscreen all the time.
Choosing The Right Sunscreen
As per some skin experts, it only takes 15 min under the sunlight to damage your skin. So, even if you are going out for a few minutes, you need to apply sunscreen. You also need to understand that not every sunscreen works the same way. Sunscreens come with different SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the better the sunscreen’s ability to protect your skin from the sun.
If you are a teenager having tender skin, it is advisable for you to start with an SPF 30 sunscreen. Make sure to get a sunscreen that is suitable for the sensitive skin of teenagers. Fabbeu’s sunscreen collection is a good option to check out as it is a Gen-Z-specific brand.
