It’s the Christmas season, and for us in Nigeria, that means one thing—harmattan is around the corner. In some parts of the country, the weather change is already evident, and the intense UV sun rays are becoming overwhelming. It is essential to prevent sunburn in this weather and protect your skin.
In this article, we will share easy ways to protect yourself from sunburn this harmattan.
What is a Sunburn?
As the name implies, a sunburn is a type of burn you get from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
The rays directly injure the skin and can cause inflammation and irritation. In light-skinned people, sunburned skin may look red and swollen, with intense pain. In severe cases, blisters may form on the affected area (these kinds require urgent medical attention).
It is important to note that no matter your skin tone, you should protect yourself from sun rays as much as possible. So, whether you’re light or dark-skinned, keep reading to find out how to prevent sunburns this season.
How to Prevent Sunburn This Christmas
Preventing a sunburn is much easier than treating it. Do these to protect your skin:
Use Sunscreen
This is a pretty straightforward way to prevent sunburns. The good thing is that there are many brands of sunscreen available in stores, so you can easily find a product that suits your skin type.
Apply your preferred sunscreen to cleansed skin, about 30 minutes before you step out into the sun. As much of possible, touch up on your sunscreen every 2-3 hours throughout the day. You can apply your sunscreen using these best practices.
Tone Down on Skin-Brightening Agents
If you are using a brightening soap, essence, or lotion, you are at an increased risk of getting sunburned. Try to limit your use of such products to nighttime only. But if you must apply brightening agents to your skin during the day, wearing sunscreen is a must to prevent sunburn.
Wear Protective Clothing
Protective clothing are simple daily accessories you can add to your outfit to shield you from sun exposure. Face caps, sunshades, hats, and umbrellas are everyday accessories you can add to your wardrobe this season.
Remember your hands and feet!
When people talk about sunburn, their attention is usually on the face. But do you realize that other parts of your body can also get damaged from the sun?
This a reminder to protect other parts of your body from the sun, not just your face! You can use sunscreen on exposed parts of your body to prevent sunburn.
A word from Healthfacts
As you prepare to enjoy your Christmas and Harmattan season, follow the tips discussed in this article to keep your skin free of sunburns.
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