Sunshine is an important source of vitamin D and can have many health benefits as it is essential to increase calcium levels and help prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, depression, diabetes, some types of cancer, autoimmune and heart disease.
However, it is important to remember that excessive exposure to the sun can be dangerous and have harmful effects on our skin, causing premature ageing of the skin, and in the worst case scenario, the appearance of cancerous lesions (such as melanoma).Learn how to prepare your skin for the sun and the care you should take after exposure.
Stay hydrated
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking water and/or liquids before, during and after sun exposure.
Consume fruit and vegetables
Diet also plays an important role in skin care. A diet rich in antioxidants decreases the degradation of collagen, important for preserving the skin's structure. This is another way to balance body hydration levels, as well as containing essential nutrients that help protect the skin.
Use sunscreen all year round
Applying sunscreen to the face should be a daily habit, even on cloudy days. Apply a sunscreen cream 30 minutes before exposure to the sun to ensure that it is well absorbed. Choose a cream with a protection factor higher or equal to 30 and always with UVB and UVA protection, water resistant and suitable for your skin type. The lighter the skin tone, the higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Regardless of the sun protection factor index in question, renew your sun cream every two hours.
Avoid exposure to the sun at peak hours
Avoid exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm. At the hottest times it is important to protect yourself from the sun by using shades.
Keep skin moisturised after sun exposure
Use creams or lotions to soothe the skin after sun exposure. You can use moisturising cosmetics that provide nutrients to rebuild the skin barrier and have a cooling effect on the skin. For light-textured, quickly absorbed cosmetics, these can be kept in the refrigerator to help boost their cooling effect. Before applying moisturiser, take a quick shower at medium to cold temperature, without rubbing your body with sponges.
The use of natural cosmetics can be a great option to complement skin protection against the sun. These products have natural ingredients in their composition, avoiding the use of aggressive and potentially dangerous chemicals. In addition, many of them include ingredients that help protect the skin from the harmful effects caused by the sun.
One example of a natural ingredient that helps protect the skin from the sun is coconut oil. This oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which help moisturise and protect the skin. Coconut oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and inflammation caused by excessive sun exposure.
Another popular natural ingredient in cosmetics is jojoba oil. This oil is similar to the natural oil produced by the human skin, making it an excellent choice for moisturising and nourishing the skin. Jojoba oil also contains vitamin E and antioxidants that help protect the skin from sun damage.
In addition, there are many plants that have properties that help protect the skin from the sun's UV rays. For example, aloe vera is known for its moisturising and soothing properties.
At Petiscos & Companhia we have natural sunscreens, which provide effective protection against UVA and UVB rays. They are also safe for marine life and do not harm reefs.
Our suggestions for protecting your skin
Products designed to protect the skin and respect marine life