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Charleston Dermatology Blog

Skin Care Essentials for Spring Break

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Spring has sprung around the Lowcountry, which means people are beginning to spend more time outdoors and a lot of people are counting down the days until they can take their annual spring break vacations.

Whether you are heading to a tropical destination with your closest friends or are simply planning a staycation with your kids, your spring break experience will be even more enjoyable if you make sure to stock up on the right skincare essentials and are informed about ways to keep your skin protected.

Pack the right sunscreen

When it comes to finding the right sunscreen for your skin type, the key is to always play it safe. Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection and check the labels to make sure your sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Next, choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. We know that it can be tempting to use a lower SPF so you can achieve that fresh, “sun-kissed” look, but keeping your skin protected is more important and a higher SPF will help you do that.

Finally, make sure the sunscreen you choose is water resistant. Even if you aren’t planning on spending time in the water, your sunscreen can still rub off if you’re sweating and can leave you susceptible to getting burnt.

Stock up on after-sun remedies

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you miss a spot or you forget to put more sunscreen on at the right time, and you get burned. It happens to everyone, so don’t feel too discouraged. The best thing you can do after you get sunburnt is to make sure that you have some after-sun remedies on-hand.

If you have a more severe reaction such as a rash or a burn that lasts longer than a few days, schedule a skin consultation with your dermatologist. 

Seek the shade and cover up

While sunscreen is important, the best way you can prevent harmful sun exposure is by keeping your skin covered. A wide-brimmed hat will help keep your head and face protected, while polarized sunglasses can keep harmful UV rays from harming your eyes.

Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so try and stay in the shade as much as possible during this time. A good rule of thumb is that if your shadow is shorter than you are, seek the shade. 

Stay hydrated

When you are out in the sun, it is important to drink as much water as possible. This will not only help keep you from getting dehydrated, but it will also help keep your skin from drying out.

In fact, even if you aren’t going on a vacation, it is still important to make sure you drink plenty of water, for both your skin and your health. Water has been shown to help keep your skin looking healthy, your muscles energized, and your internal organs performing their jobs effectively.

If you have any questions about keeping your skin healthy while you’re having fun in the sun this spring, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. They will make sure you have everything you need to have a sunburn-free spring break!

To learn more about selecting the right sunscreen, visit The American Academy of Dermatology.

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