As summer beckons and we eagerly plan our next holiday, it’s essential to prioritize the protection of our skin under the blazing sun. The soaring temperatures and intense UV rays can wreak havoc on our skin, causing damage, dryness, and premature aging. Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach or exploring exotic destinations, let’s dive into how you can keep your skin protected on your next summer holiday.
The importance of sun protection in the heat
The importance of sun protection cannot be overstated, particularly during the scorching summer months and when travelling to hot destinations abroad. The sun’s rays are more intense during these times, increasing the risk of sunburn, heatstroke, and long-term skin damage. Exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to painful sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
When visiting a hot country, the combination of higher temperatures and prolonged sun exposure puts your skin at greater risk. By practicing proper sun protection measures such as applying sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, you can shield your skin from harmful UV rays and maintain its health and vitality throughout your summer holiday.
Hottest countries throughout the year
When it comes to holiday destinations with scorching temperatures that demand extra skin protection, certain countries top the list.
For comparison, the UK’s average UV level is 3.08, making it nearly four times lower than these hotspots. Among popular European destinations, Cyprus takes the lead with the highest UV level at 6.33, closely followed by its Mediterranean neighbors Malta, Greece, and Turkey. The Canary Islands, known for their year-round warmth, boast a subtropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 24 °C.
In these hot climates, protecting your skin becomes paramount. Seeking shade during peak hours, wearing lightweight protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, and using sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful rays are essential precautions to minimize sun damage and maintain skin health.
Protecting your skin with SPF
Protecting your skin with SPF is a vital step in safeguarding your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It’s so important to ensure your skin is protected when going on your travels to hot countries and there are various ways you can incorporate this into your skincare routine:
- Traditional suncream
Traditional sun cream is a crucial component of your sun protection routine. After completing your regular skincare routine, apply a generous amount of sun cream to all exposed areas of your body. The protective formulation of sun cream acts as a shield, reflecting and absorbing harmful UV rays.
To ensure continuous protection, reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. This consistent application helps maintain a barrier between your skin and the sun’s damaging radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
- Moisturizers
In addition to traditional sun cream, incorporating moisturizers and tinted moisturizers with SPF into your skincare routine is crucial for comprehensive sun protection. These products offer the dual benefits of hydration and sun defense. Many reputable beauty brands, such as Medik8 and IMAGE Skincare, integrate SPF into their formulations.
By using moisturizers with SPF, you ensure that your skin receives continuous hydration while providing an extra layer of protection against harmful UV rays. This combination enhances the overall effectiveness of your sun protection regimen, keeping your skin nourished, moisturized, and shielded from sun damage throughout the day.
- Powders & makeup
SPF powders are a game-changer when it comes to sun protection without compromising your makeup. These innovative products provide a convenient solution for maintaining a flawless look while shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.
Simply dust the SPF powder lightly over your face, and it will not only set your makeup but also provide an additional layer of sun defense. This means you can confidently enjoy the sun while knowing that your skin is protected throughout the day. SPF powders offer a perfect blend of sun protection and makeup, allowing you to maintain a beautiful appearance without sacrificing your skin’s well-being.
- Lip care
When it comes to sun protection, don’t forget about your lips! Lip care products with SPF offer a crucial solution for keeping your lips moisturized and shielded from the sun’s harmful rays. These specially formulated balms and lipsticks provide a double benefit by hydrating your lips and protecting them from UV damage.
The delicate skin of our lips is susceptible to dryness and sunburn, making SPF lip care essential. By incorporating lip balms or lipsticks with SPF into your daily routine, you can ensure your lips stay soft, supple, and safe from the damaging effects of the sun.