Summertime is finally here and that means days spent outdoors, working in our yards, lounging poolside, or (if we are lucky) sitting on a sandy beach somewhere. Years ago, many of us would bask in all the UV rays as we rubbed baby oil on our teenage flesh, longing for the ideal tan. Fast forward a few years or decades, we have come to the realization that the summer sun is not very forgiving.
Summer is typically filled with outdoor fun and work. Which is great, but it can expose us to a variety of ailments and dangers which overtime can wreak havoc on our skin, appearance, and health. If we fail to take proper precautions, we can easily find ourselves nurturing a sunburn, heat rash, or worse: skin cancer.
Thankfully, caring for our skin doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. With a little practice and a few mindful choices, nurturing our skin can become second nature. Preparing our skin for the summer can keep us looking and feeling great. Thankfully, it’s never too late to start!
To help us prepare our skin for the summer sun, we have compiled the following list of essential skin protection tips:
Remember the sunscreen! Tis’ the season to be outdoors and our favorite activities leave us exposed to the elements and harsh sunlight. We need to make sure we are protecting our skin with adequate sunblock to prevent burns, blisters, sunspots, and skin cancer. This will keep you healthy and still able to enjoy those picnics and trips to the beach without worrying about getting burned.
Moisturize. The summer sun and dry heat can zap all moisture from our skin. That makes it essential that we moisturize to prevent dry skin to reduce pronounced creases, caking makeup, wrinkles, and aggravated acne. Make it a priority to add moisturizing to our daily routines to restore that summertime glow we all love.
Stay hydrated. We have all been taught to drink eight glasses of water a day, but during the summer this is even more important. Our bodies are over 60 percent water and we need to maintain our water intake for healthy skin and blood flow. By consuming adequate amounts of liquid, we can keep our skin looking flawless and our bodies able to function in the heat.
Get the look of being kissed by the sun with a bronzer. Instead of spending hours tanning in the summer sun or paying for expensive spray tans, consider using bronzer to prevent sallow-looking skin without all the fuss. Gently, apply a bronzer similar to your skin tone across the areas of your face to blend it into your skin for a natural look.
Exfoliate. If you want flawless skin, use exfoliation techniques on occasion to deep clean pores, achieve smooth skin, and reduce buildup of dry skin. This is especially critical if you wear a lot of sunscreen or spend a lot of time outside in the elements. Just make sure you know what skin type you have and use the correct scrub or mask.
Limit exposure to the sun. It’s no secret that skin care is vital in protecting our health and we must take care of it properly if we want to age well, protect our retinas, or avoid certain types of skin cancers. Schedule outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun’s strongest rays. If you do need to head outdoors during peak hours, consider donning a wide brimmed hat, UV protective clothing, and seeking refuge in the shade.
Invest in a good bug repellent. Typically, we spend a lot more time outdoors and that almost guarantees we will come into contact with insects. Avoid bites, stings, allergic reactions, and possible exposure to West Nile or Lyme disease by wearing bug spray. For added protection, wear long sleeves and pants if you will be spending time in tall grasses or wooded areas.
Wear lightweight clothing that breathes and repels UV rays. Make technology work for you by protecting your skin with fabrics that are made to reflect those harmful radiation sunrays. By being properly dressed, you won’t need to worry about sunburns or heat rashes.
Be mindful with hair removal. As the temps rise, we tend to show more skin. Avoid embarrassing redness, irritation, or ingrown hairs by using sharp razors, lotions, or skin conditioners. You will look great and will feel comfortable in your own skin.
How do you prepare your skin for the summer?
Gwen Lewis is a writer and makeup artist based in Southern California. Because of her passion for beauty and health, she hopes to help others not just look great but feel great, whether through makeup or her writing. In her free time, she enjoy shopping and pick-up soccer games with her friends.
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