Summer fun is the best fun. At the beach, in the backyard, by the pool, or anywhere that’s not indoors, summer days can be the blank canvas on which we paint lifelong memories. But those warm, sunny days can lead to lifelong problems as well. You know that excessive exposure to the sun’s powerful rays is the source of all types of skin issues from sunburn and premature aging to deadly skin cancer. But you also know that there is no need to cower indoors all summer long if you take some basic precautionary steps before basking in the sun’s glow.

When heading out this summer, make sure you take these essential summer sun products with you:

Sunscreen for Your Body

Spending time in the sun without sunscreen is like trying to take a hot dish out of the oven without an oven mitt. You will get burned, you will be in pain, and the long-term consequences can be even more severe. The right sunscreen – applied properly and reapplied regularly is the key to summer sun safety.

It is essential that your sunscreen protects you against more than just sunburn.

Unfortunately, many sunscreens feature only a Sun Protection Factor, also known as SPF. SPF blocks UV-B rays and prevents sunburns but does not block UV-A rays that can damage the skin below the outermost surface. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays leads to wrinkles, sun spots and, potentially, life-threatening conditions like melanoma skin cancer.

For full ultraviolet protection, we recommend Blue Lizard Sunscreen products. Developed in Australia, these sunscreens offer proven and robust protection against all of the sun’s damaging rays.

Sunscreen for Your Lips

Even the most conscientious sunscreen users can forget to protect certain areas of the body other than their skin that can also suffer severe damage from the harmful rays of the sun. The lips are particularly vulnerable to neglect when it comes to sun protection. Lips need just as much protection as skin, if not more. The protective top layer of cells on your lips is thinner than the layer that protects your skin, and your bottom lip is facing directly upward into the sun’s rays.

You don’t need rub sunscreen lotion on your lips to get the SPF protection they need. There are lots of lipsticks and balms which contain sunscreen and were specifically developed to protect them from UV rays. You can find a comprehensive list and evaluation of almost 40 different SPF lip balms here.

Sunscreen for Your Scalp

What part of your body is often closest to the sun? The top of your head. For bald folks and those with thinning hair, in particular, sunburn and other damage to the scalp and hair is a significant summertime risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 minutes in the sun is all that is needed to damage exposed and unprotected skin on your scalp. If you are planning on spending time in the sun, scalp sunscreen can be the easiest way to protect and hydrate your scalp.

There are numerous sunscreen products that are specifically designed to be applied to the hair and scalp. Consider oils with UVA/UVB protection incorporated so you don’t end up with greasy strands full of thick, white sunscreen. These also protect the hair itself from the sun, which can fade color when it oxidizes.

Hats and Umbrellas

Of course, grabbing some shade is also a great way to enjoy being outside while remaining out of the sun’s dangers. A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap can do the job for your face and scalp, while a big beach or market umbrella can allow you to lounge to your heart’s content without worrying about skin damages.

Dr. Mariano Busso: Helping You Keep Your Skin Healthy All Year Long

No matter what the season, Dr. Mariano Busso can help you keep your skin looking healthy, youthful, and vibrant. For more information on protecting your skin from sun damage this summer or to book your next cosmetic dermatology appointment in Miami, contact us at 305-857-0144.