Coolness reigns as summer's main theme, yet restless girls never stay put. By the sea, in the woods, or on lakes—no heatwave can dampen our wanderlust. Seizing clear, crisp holiday days, we roam with friends in small groups, soaking in the outdoors while stress melts away.However, summer vacation falls during July and August when the sun is at its harshest. Many friends return from trips looking like "little darkies" or "big darkies." Summer sun protection thus becomes the top priority this season.So, how should we protect ourselves from the sun in summer?
7 Essential Summer Sun Protection Tips
1. Choose the Right Sunscreen
In island or tropical destinations (like Sanya) where the sun's rays are most intense, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply generously and reapply frequently.Generally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours to maintain effectiveness.
Since oil and sweat production vary by individual, if your skin feels warm, it indicates the sunscreen's effectiveness has diminished. Simply blot away oil or sweat with a tissue and reapply an appropriate amount of sunscreen.
Those engaging in water activities should choose water-resistant and sweat-resistant sunscreens to maintain long-lasting effectiveness. After swimming, use a mild soap to wash off sunscreen residue, then apply moisturizer or after-sun lotion all over the body.
Never be careless. Even mild sunlight can cause skin damage. Especially in Europe, consider using SPF 20 sunscreen on frequently exposed areas like the face, neck, and arms. Women who wear makeup can opt for cosmetics with built-in sun protection.
II. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out
Apply sunscreen carefully to your skin 20 minutes before heading out to enjoy the sun. Hands, ankles, and even the back of the neck are often overlooked areas, so make sure your sunscreen covers these spots too.
When facing intense sunlight, the best strategy is to "hide"—avoid direct exposure whenever possible.Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM whenever possible. If unavoidable, even when sweating profusely, prioritize beauty and health by wearing a sun hat, using a sun umbrella, and putting on a cover-up before heading out!
Tip: Do not use the same bottle of sunscreen for two consecutive summers. Once exposed to air and sunlight, its properties and effectiveness change, making it difficult to preserve long-term.
III. Do Sunscreens Require Makeup Remover?
Whether sunscreen needs makeup remover depends not on its SPF, but on whether it's waterproof/sweatproof or tinted. Generally, sunscreens with strong adhesive ingredients or foundation components require makeup remover for thorough cleansing. Conversely, regular sunscreens can be removed with facial cleanser alone.
IV. Supplementing Vitamins
Vitamins are essential nutrients for maintaining normal metabolism and play a crucial role in skin health. During travel, tight schedules, fatigue, and irregular meals—sometimes even neglecting dietary quality—are common.
Vitamin-deficient skin becomes dry, puffy, and dull. Therefore, prioritize fresh, clean fruits and vegetables during travel, opt for light meals to reduce sebum secretion, and maintain skin hygiene. Carrying a bottle of vitamin supplements allows for convenient, on-the-go replenishment.
V. Talcum Powder and Floral Water
Beyond their fragrant scents, talcum powder and floral water possess antibacterial and disinfectant properties. During hot summer travels when sweating is inevitable, take frequent warm showers or rinse with clean water. After bathing, dust talcum powder on sweaty areas for a refreshing, cool sensation.When hiking, camping, or sleeping outdoors, mosquito bites are hard to avoid. Applying flower water to bites disinfects, relieves itching, and reduces swelling. If pricked by thorns in the wild, treat wounds promptly with medication and bandages.Dehydrated skin may appear shriveled or develop fine wrinkles. Therefore, staying hydrated during travel is essential for maintaining health. Additionally, use sunscreen with moisturizing and hydrating properties.
VII. Tailor Sun Protection for Morning, Afternoon, and Evening
Don't rush your morning routine—the effectiveness of your entire day's protection hinges on how well you start.
Morning Protection Focus: First, moisturize in advance—never neglect hydration even in non-dry seasons. Second, prepare for both sunny and cloudy days. UV rays intensify from March, peaking June through September. Remember: UV rays exist on cloudy days too, so always protect.Third, focus on key areas: the nose and cheekbones are the most prominent and prone to darkening. Apply sunscreen to areas like the tops of ears, sides of the face, and neck.
During the heat-stifling afternoon, staying indoors is a blessing. If outdoors—especially at the beach—high-SPF sunscreen is essential. Remember to reapply promptly after sweating for foolproof protection.
Midday sun protection essentials: First, choose sunscreen based on duration and environment—stock up on 2-3 types before summer. Second, use medium-SPF protection: UV rays peak between 10 AM and 2 PM, especially UVA rays that penetrate glass. Apply SPF 15 indoors.Third, high-SPF protection: When heading to the beach or going out at midday, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to shield your skin. Reapply promptly after sweating to prolong its effectiveness.
At night, residual UV rays that weren't fully blocked during the day accumulate, continuing to damage your skin.
Nighttime sun protection strategy: Key nighttime repair steps include washing your face with cool water.Cool water soothes skin, reduces redness, and minimizes swelling. Avoid excessive massage on sun-exposed skin. Second, apply a brightening mask. The cooling sensation spreads from your face throughout your body, repairing damaged cells while relaxing both mind and body. Third, use a jelly-like moisturizer. These post-sun care products are packed with hydration, allowing skin to replenish moisture deeply.
If skin is already sunburned, leverage nighttime care. Apply soothing, calming, and regenerative repair serums. Avoid hot water rinses and further sun exposure, as skin retains memory—damage can lay the groundwork for future issues. Refrain from scratching burned areas to prevent bacterial infection and scarring.
Post-sun recovery is sometimes even more crucial than sun protection itself. Here are four additional after-sun care tips:
1. Tea is ideal for emergency sunburn relief.
Method: Gently dab tea-soaked cotton balls onto reddened areas to soothe skin and reduce burning sensations.
2. Rub watermelon rind repeatedly over sunburned arms. The skin's dehydration will quickly absorb the rind's juices. Repeating this process significantly reduces sunburn symptoms. For deeper absorption, use a peeler to create thin slices of rind and apply them directly to the reddened skin.
Principle: Watermelon rind contains vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties when applied topically, making it effective for treating sunburned skin.
3. Dissolve vinegar and salt in water at a ratio of approximately 9 parts water to 3 parts white vinegar to 1 part salt. Moisten a towel with the mixture and wipe your face once in the morning and once at night. Rinse off after a short while. Results should be noticeable within about a week.
4. Preparing rice washing water requires no special procedure. Its cleansing strength depends on concentration: use equal parts water and rice for a stronger wash.For gentle cleansing, simply increase the water ratio. For normal skin types, follow these steps: Steam your face with a hot towel 3-4 times; scoop rice water into your palms and wash your face 2-3 times, then rinse with lukewarm water; pat on a mildly acidic toner; apply a combination cream to remove excess oil.