As the mornings start getting lighter and the flowers begin to bloom, you'll naturally spend more time outdoors. Let's be honest, a morning jog or walk to work feels so much more appealing when the sun is streaming through your bedroom window.
But to enjoy the sunshine safely—no matter the season—you need to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage. Use these sun safety tips to plan how to take care of skin in spring while enjoying everything the season has to offer.
What to Keep in Mind about Spring Sun Exposure
Before you head out to enjoy the spring sunshine, ensure your skin is as protected as possible.
1. Don't Underestimate Spring Sunshine
One of the biggest misconceptions many people have about spring sunshine is that it isn't as powerful as the summer sun. Although the sun's rays may not feel as hot on your skin as they do in the summer, UV radiation is just as harmful in the spring. If anything, the lack of heat can give you a false sense of sun safety, leaving you more exposed than you would be during the summer. Understanding the risks of UV radiation all year round is crucial to preventing damage.
2. Protect Compromised Skin
If you've spent most of the winter indoors wearing cozy sweaters, the skin on your arms and body will be particularly sensitive to UV light. Months of harsh winter weather and central heating may have also left your skin compromised and more photosensitive than usual. According to the Mayo Clinic, sudden sun exposure can also put you at greater risk of skin rashes such as polymorphous light eruption. But this doesn't mean you need to hide away indoors—you just need to know how to take care of skin in spring.
Cover all areas of exposed skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and reapply every two hours. Also, seek shade and wear lightweight layers when the sun is at its strongest. And one of the most important sun safety tips to remember is that UV rays are still present even on dull, rainy spring days—not just when it's sunny. For more detailed information, you can check the UV index each morning to assess your risk level.
3. Remember That Longer Days Mean More Sun Exposure
As the sun rises earlier and sets later, you'll naturally get more exposure to UV rays than you do during the winter. For instance, you may have left for work in the dark during the winter, but now you may get sun exposure early in the day in spring. Get ahead of the game by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face, neck, and arms—and any other areas of exposed skin—as the last step in your morning skin care routine. And remember to give yourself about 15 minutes for it to absorb into your skin before you step outside.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for You
Before you buy a sunscreen to add to your spring skin care routine, consider your skin type—do you need a sunscreen formula that helps keep oiliness at bay? Or do you need something more hydrating? Many sunscreens also address additional skin concerns, such as blemishes and redness, while providing UV protection.
Finally, think about how your sunscreen will fit into your life. A tinted facial sunscreen may be just the thing you need for busy, active mornings. If you want something easy to apply that works well beneath makeup, consider a clear, lightweight sunscreen like EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+.
With just a couple of tweaks to your daily routine, you can make a huge difference to your overall skin health. Warm spring days will feel all the sweeter while wearing sunscreen.
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