Since cancer I’m even more sun-safe aware, even though I had breast cancer my treatment and surgeries have far reaching health implications and sun exposure is a trigger. It can trigger lymphoedema, my skin is more sensitive due to medication and of course my scars need extra protection.
Sunburn is something we all need to steer clear of, overexposing our skin to the sun’s UV radiation can and does contribute to skin cancer. The sun is also the main cause of wrinkles and premature aging, if cancer doesn’t scare you maybe vanity will make you think about your sun-safe options.
SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’, it’s the measure of just how well a product works to shield your skin against UV radiation. To be safe we should all be looking at products with a minimum SPF of 30. We all know that we should be wearing sunscreen but what are some other sun-safe tips you can implement?
+ Say NO to sunbeds…end. of. story.
+ If you’re exercising outside wear a specialty sports sunscreen.
+ Time your outdoor exercise sessions so they aren’t when the sun is at its stinging worst. Try to exercise early morning or late evening.
+ Wear a visor or hat when outdoors.
+ Carry a mini size sunscreen with you everywhere, pop it in a zip lock bag to prevent sunscreen stain in your favourite handbag.
+ Sunscreen needs to be applied at least 20 minutes prior to exposure to the sun. This will give your sunscreen time to start working.
+ Your SPF level is a guide of blockout, a higher SPF doesn’t give you the green light to stay in the sun longer. Make sure to reapply every 2 hours or follow product directions.
+ Don’t be stingy with your sunscreen, slather it on… more is better! Don’t forget the tops of your ears, back of your hands and neck, we can get burnt even while travelling in a car.
+ Buy smart makeup that contains sunscreen. A little extra help is always handy.
+ Seek the shade when exercising outside. You’ll feel more comfortable and shade can offer you some protection.
+ Bring your own shade! A parasol or portable sunshade shelter will provide protection on the go or when enjoying time with family and friends.
+ Wear clothes that have sun protection UPF technology built in. I’m not talking a rashie but on trend dresses, pants and tops.
+ If you want to protect you hair colour, let’s face it those salon visits can be pricey then add a treatment with filters to protect. Remember though these will only protect your hair and not your scalp so keep a hat handy.
+ Sunglasses with quality lenses will protect your peepers, look for glasses that meet the Australian standards and features like polarised lenses, wrap around or wide arms.
+ An aerosol sunscreen is my favourite to use and especially handy for hard to reach areas if you’re on your own.
merilyn says
November 13, 2015 at 8:11 amyes very good points thanks jen!
when we grew up! … lets say I’ve been exposed, toasted and roasted to the nth degree!
with not much protection at all!
these days I stay out of the sun! … no I like a few minutes everyday to get my vitamin d!
but I definitely protect myself in all of the above ways!
my uncle lost an eye last year to a skin cancer which was near it! … horrific and unbelievable what they did! … he is surviving, with an incredible sense of humour! … amazing! <3 him!
much love m:)X
Jenni says
November 16, 2015 at 6:25 amOh yes when I think of all that we did as kids uneducated about the sun…shudder!! What a brilliant attitude your uncle has, bravo! Xx
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
November 14, 2015 at 4:26 pmGreat tips! I am shocking at sunscreen, I’m always forgetting how strong the sun really is. I’m off to find an aerosol sun screen…
Jenni says
November 16, 2015 at 6:26 amThey are the best (although a little cold at first).
Barbe says
November 15, 2015 at 11:28 pmGreat tips Jen! I have been pretty vigilant but can be better. I recently used a sunblock on my face that made me break out in a rash that lasted over a week!
B x
Jenni says
November 16, 2015 at 6:22 amOh no!! Always my biggest fear when trialling a new sunscreen Barbe x