The Importance of SPF; Tips to Protect your Skin in the Sun
Protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun is essential for a healthy skin. With the arrival of spring and summer, we’re delving into how the sun can damage your skin and how it is essential to prepare and educate yourself about how to stay safe in the sun.
Short and long-term damage
UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn, which is an immediately visible sign of skin damage. Sunburned skin is red, tender and can feel hot to the touch. UVB rays can also cause long-term damage to the skin, such as premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
UVA rays can also cause long-term damage to the skin, even though they are less likely to cause sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause damage to the skin’s elastin fibres. Over time, this damage can lead to premature ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
At Q7Paris we’re all about keeping your skin healthy and happy so here are some tips to get you started…
Use Sunscreen
The most crucial step in protecting your skin is to use sunscreen daily. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher, and apply it 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. Don’t forget to reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Our favourite is the Q7Paris Luminaire Lotion 3 which is active lighting for hyperpigmentation and dark spots and contains SPF 30.
Cover Up & Seek Shade
Covering up is another effective way to protect yourself from the sun. Wear protective clothing, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants. If possible, stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day, between 10 am and 4 pm. You can sit under a tree or an umbrella, or wear a wide-brimmed hat to provide extra shade. If the top of your head and hair has been out in the sun for too long, you may find your scalp and hair becoming dry. The Q7Paris Hair and Scalp Rescue Bundle has products like coconut oil and acts as a natural sunscreen to the hair and scalp whilst adding moisture.
Stay Hydrated
Lastly, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage and can lead to heat stroke. Carry a water bottle with you when you go out so you’re never stuck without water. Moisture for your skin is also important. The Q7Paris Carrot Skin Lightening lotion helps fade away any discolouration, locking in moisture, and balancing out skin tone whilst softening your skin.
Already have sun-burn?
Don’t worry! It happens to the best of us – focus on applying cooling lotions like the Q7Paris Aloe Vera Cooling Gel perfect for sun-exposed, mildly burnt, or irritated skin. This gel has a soothing mint cooling effect, offering rapid burn relief and antiseptic properties. We also have the Aloe Vera Cooling Gel: Sensitive Skin, for anyone with sensitive skin – this gel doesn’t contain any fragrance, colouring, or alcohol.
Let’s protect your skin
Taking good care of your skin in the sun is crucial. Follow these tips to help prevent sunburn and other skin damage, and enjoy your time outdoors this spring and summer!
