Sun Protection Tips for Autumn Adventures in the Desert

Fall is finally here, and this means the days are growing just a little cooler and we are finally getting a break from the dramatic roar of end of summer monsoons. While the drop in temperature, which once ranged from 105 to 118-degree Fahrenheit to the mid 90’s and gradually dropping to the moderate mid 70’s, many mistake this as a time to take a break from protecting our skin. However cooler you may feel, it’s important to understand that harmful UVA and UVB rays are still very much present in the Fall. In fact, this time of year, is often the time that more people experience sun damage as they underestimate it’s strength, due to the cooler weather. Here are some tips for continued protection of your skin in the Autumn.

Sun and Skin Damage
It’s easy, especially when we are young, to enjoy the warmth of the sun and enjoy the darkness it brings to our complexion. However, over time, UV damage can make a noticeable impact on our skin and effect its underlying connective tissue. This can cause premature wrinkles, sunspots, and lines, making it seem as if the sun is aging you faster than you are. In addition to cosmetic issues, an excess of sun exposure can increase the risk for skin cancer — the most common type of cancer within the United States. Currently, it’s estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. While UVB rays can be thought of as “UV burn” UVA rays are the rays which cause aging. Even if you are inside your home, while your skin may not be burning, it can still cause your skin to wrinkle and show other signs associated with aging.

Use Thicker Sunscreen

It may seem counterintuitive, but even though the days are getting cooler you are going to want to wear even more sunscreen than you did in the summer. This practice surprisingly should continue through the winter. This is due to the decreased humidity as the monsoons recede and the weather cools down. Dry winters will leave your skin feeling drier and more susceptible to sun damage. If you were enjoying using a light, oil-free summer sunscreen, now that Fall is here, you may not be getting the same level of protection from it. In addition to boosting the hydration in your sun care products to aid in creating a protective skin barrier against the sun, its also recommended to increase your intake of water to keep your skin soft, moisturized, and supple.

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Lips

It’s all too common to suffer from chapped lips as the days grow cooler and drying. This can be incredibly uncomfortable, especially when it progresses to the point of painful splits in dry lips. Even if you are fully committed to wearing sunscreen every day, it’s all too easy to miss our lips. Annually around 40,000 lip cancer cases are diagnosed, contributing to approximately 0.6% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S.

Make it a habit to put lip balm in your purse or pocket every time you leave the house and apply it generously after you eat a meal, enjoy a drink or every few hours. Not only will it make your lips simmer and be unavoidably noticeable, but you can enjoy the comfort of knowing your lips are safe from the sun. Get ready to plump your pout for enhanced beauty, while protecting yourself form the sun at the same time. Any lip balm which offers an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or more will do just fine.

Incorporate UPF Clothing into Your Wardrobe

Sunscreen is great but you may want to take the extra step and invest in clothing which can make sure to protect your skin from the sun while providing a boost in you fashion as well. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun’s rays and allows two percent (1/50th) to penetrate, which significantly can reduce your risk of sun damage significantly. Even though the weather may be hot, it’s amazing what a light breathable fabric and do to reflect away the sun, reducing the amount of the suns’ heat from absorbing onto your clothes and your body.

CC Sunscreens
If you want sun protection in the comfort your own home, enjoy CC sunscreens which can block out 90% of UV rays over your windows and patios. To find out more, schedule a free consultation today.