Tips to protect your skin from the sun

Sun protection is a very important part of our daily life especially when we are living in a tropical country. The average temperature of malaysia is around 21^oc to 32^oc, you will easily getting sunburnt, pigmentation, aging and even skin cancer from the prolonged ultraviolet (uv) damage!

Here are some tips that we can share on how to protect your skin from the sun:

1. Sunblock

You should apply sunblock in daily basis, even if it is cloudy. You should choose broad spectrum sunblock that protects against both uva and uvb radiation, with sun protection factor (spf) of at least 30 and pa+++.

Sunblock should be applied every 2-4 hours. Reapply is very essential as the sunblock can only protect your skin against uv damage for about 4 hours. The lasting power is even shorter (around 2 hours) if you are having outdoor activities such as swimming as the sweat will melt away the sunblock. Do not forget to apply sunblock even if you are indoor as ultraviolet a (uva) can pass through glass.

2. Shade

Try to wear protective clothing when you are outside.

3. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants

Often people will forget to apply sunblock on body, thus it is important to wear protective clothing if you are going to spend a long time under the sun. Look for dark clothing with tight woven fabric as it blocks more sun than white loose woven fabric. Some clothing is even certified as international standards for offering uv protection.

4. Sunglasses

Sunglasses can protect your eyes from uv rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. It can also protect the tender skin around the eyes from the sun exposure. Choose a good sunglasses which can block both uva and uvb.

5. Hat / Umbrella

Choose a hat that can shade your face, ears and back of neck as these places are often neglected and easily sunburnt. Darker hat can offer more uv protection. You can also carry an umbrella with you when walking under the sun. Accoring to research, a functioning umbrella can block three quarters of uv rays on sunny day.

6. Limit your time under the sun

The uv rays are most intense between 10am to 4pm. You should find shade or limit your exposure time if you are going out between these hours. If you are planning for jogging or gardening, we suggest you to do it in the early morning or evening.

7. Be aware of medications side effects

Some medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Always consult the doctor for the possible side effects of the medications you are taking and remember to apply sunblock.

8. Avoid sunbathing

Too much uv radiation from the sun can damage the dna in the cell, when there is enough dna damage over time, it can leads to cancer. According to research, getting sunburnt once every two years can triple your risk of skin cancer (melanoma).

To enjoy the sun safely, remember to use sunblock generously, reapply regularly and use together with shade and clothing.

At UR Klinik, we offer effective pigmentation treatment in Malaysia, specializing in light therapy to rejuvenate the skin and address concerns like melasma, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. Our personalized approach can help you achieve noticeable results. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the transformative power of light therapy.