How Sun Exposure Affects You, Explained By An Expert

When the sun’s rays are beating down, enjoying the warmth can be tempting, but it’s essential to remember the impact of sun exposure on your skin health. As Erin Blackwell, a licensed esthetician and laser specialist, emphasizes, the sun is a constant presence in our lives, and while we may need some limited exposure to provide our bodies with Vitamin D, too much can lead to significant skin damage.

“The sun is really what is damaging our skin the most,” Blackwell explains. “The UVA and the UVB rays are going to come across the skin, and we need Vitamin D, so we need some sun. But we have an excess of it."

Which Sunscreen Is Best?

Blackwell advocates for using physical sunblocks, particularly those containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, rather than chemical sunscreens. “Sunscreen is nontoxic. I am a superfan of physical sunblocks. No chemical sunscreens because we’re not adding chemicals in. We don’t want to damage our skin with more chemicals.”

While some might question if chemical sunscreens are worse than going without protection, Blackwell reassures that they are still better than nothing. However, she cautions that chemical sunscreens can cause allergic reactions or additional skin inflammation, which, combined with sun exposure, can worsen skin damage. “When you add more inflammation to the skin, then you add sun exposure on top of that, you’re talking about a double wound,” she says.

Knowledge Is Power

One of the key points Blackwell stresses is the importance of reapplying sunscreen regularly, especially during outdoor activities. “Be aware of where you are, what time of day, and the activity and lifestyle that you’re doing,” she advises. Whether you’re at a baseball game or the beach, choosing the right sunscreen and applying it every two hours can make a significant difference in protecting your skin.

Simple Skin Care

For those already dealing with sun damage, Blackwell recommends a straightforward routine to treat and protect your skin day-to-day. “Skin care is very important, having just a very basic skincare regimen. You don’t have to have 20 products and be a skincare junkie, unless you really want to,” she says.

Finally, for those seeking more information, Blackwell encourages turning to social media and other online resources where experts like her share educational content. "Resources are easy to come by. We can all communicate so well through socials and things like that," she notes, "Experts like me, physicians like me who really have that material out there on the internet.”

While enjoying the sun is part of life, taking steps to protect your skin, understanding your skin type and avoiding key sunscreen mistakes is crucial to maintaining skin health and preventing long-term damage.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM

• Does Sunscreen Make You Sweat More?

• Should You Use Spray Sunscreen Or Lotion?

• Your New Must-Have: Wearing Sunscreen Indoors