Sun exposure is on everybody’s lips during summer.
But what’s some extra minutes in the sun for the perfect summer glow? Well… you gettin’ to glowy a.k.a. burnt. Uncontrolled sun exposure can lead to skin cancer or other skin diseases.
I talked about skincare during summer, quite a lot over here and you know what? I don’t intend on stopping any time soon.
I’m quite fair (or pale, as you wish) and people would think I’m craving for some tanned, brown skin. I don’t really enjoy sunbathing. I do sunbath to get a healthier look after the cold winter months, but nothing more.
While Commuting
Did you ever experience driving on a sunny day? Tha sun will come through the window and burn my skin.
At the beginning, I thought the glass or the AC would “protect” me. I was obviously dumb.
If you are sitting next to a window in a car or a bus, you still get sun exposure – your skin will get burnt is you expose it for too long or if you have sensitive/pale skin.
If you commute by bike or in another way, the exposure is even higher.
To be safe, apply sunscreen on your arms, neck, and face (there are the body parts that are usually most exposed).
Related: Body Parts You Always Forget to Protect During Summer
Almost forgot. If your desk is near the window at work, your skin can get damaged too. If you can’t move or switch desks, close the window blinds.
That 5 min thing you have to do
You know when you go out for a quick errant that won’t take more than 5-10 minutes, right?
It’s maybe going out to grab the lunch delivery and waiting for the driver to arrive, or walking around the campus from one building from another. During lunch-time, the UV index is very high, which means it can damage your skin the most.
Related: How to Protect Your Skin During Summer
If you have fair skin like me, your skin will get red very quickly – even after just a few minutes in the burning sun at mid-day.
The best thing to do it either stay inside or wear long-sleeved clothes while out in the sun.
On summer rainy days
It sounds kind of crazy, right? I mean…it’s cloudy while raining, how could you possibly get sun exposure?!
Related: 5 Facts About Rain You Probably Didn’t Know (and their Explanation)
You’ve probably seen rain while it’s quite sunny outside. Even though it’s cloudy, it doesn’t mean the sun is completely gone. The clouds might be blocking it and the UV index goes lower, but the rays will still show.
During winter
How could you get sun exposure during cold, frosty winter days?! You will most certainly won’t get a tan, but the sun is still there, which means the UVA and UVB rays are there as well.
Some experts say winter sun can do damage as well on long-term.
You’ve probably noticed that when you go outside and face the white, shiny snow, your eyes hurt. That’s why some people wear those mirror glasses. The sunlight is reflected in the snow’s particles as well.
In conclusion, the sun is everywhere all the time. There is so much to talk about sun exposure and skin care. Based on your skin tone, medical and family history, your skin might react differently to sun exposure.
To be sure what and how to do it right for you, pay a quick visit to your dermatologist and talk more about how you can take care of your skin based on your needs and lifestyle.
Be healthy.
11 comments
These are so interesting! I don’t think I’ve ever considered the exposure possibility when commuting or even during the winter. I will definitely need to start limiting my skin protection to summer days alone.
These are great tips! I am very pale and feel like I’m known as the girl that takes her sunscreen everywhere lol. It’s because I want to protect my skin and I do sunburn very easy!! I need to be better about applying it before I drive to work though, that definitely can cause my skin to get burnt!!
I’m both lazy and lucky. I drive to work quite early and the sun is not burning and the UV index is very low as well, so I skip it in the morning all the time.
This is so true!!! I forget to just put sunscreen on!!
I have quite fair skin but I didn’t realize that it could get so serious for some people just heading outside for a small amount of time. I will be more diligent next time
I don’t think they get blisters or anything, but having red, burning skin is quite uncomfortable itself. It’s more on the long-term effects.
I’m an Irish girl and very fair skinned. You nailed it on all points, especially walking during quick errands as well as commuting. My car has tinted windows (thank goodness!) but when I was driving my other one, I got burned all the time! I wish I was great about sunscreen, but I’m pretty lazy about it, as much as I hate to admit it.
I’m not crazy about sunscreen either. It’s not about applying it, it more about its texture – too thick and sticky for me. I need to find one that has quite a light texture.
Winter burn is the worst, make our skin dry, red, chapped, skin peeled off. I believe sunscreen and a good moisturizer is important in every situation>
Yes! I’m fair skinned as well. I know EXACTLY what you mean about those peak hours during the day. I’m all about sunscreen & apply it constantly if I know I will be outdoors for long. We will be thankful later. 🙂
Kendra B
http://www.helga-marie.com
Yes! I’m fair skinned as well. I know EXACTLY what you mean about those peak hours during the day. I’m all about sunscreen & apply it constantly if I know I will be outdoors for long. We will be thankful later. 🙂
Kendra B
http://www.helga-marie.com