While winter may have passed and you may think you can kiss those skin blues buh-bye, summer offers its own trials and tribulations. Read on for our tips on caring for your skin this season, and how to maintain a healthy summer glow!
- Wear (Non-Toxic) Sunscreen
We all know that sun protection is a must. But just how much, how high, and what about Vitamin D? Recent studies show that sunscreens with higher SPFs are not necessarily better, but we suggest a minimum of 30 SPF, reapplied often (at least every 90 minutes) and always after swimming or excessive sweating. Avoid spray sunscreens because they don’t offer an even coating, and don’t forget to apply a little SPF to the lips! For non-toxic sunscreen options, check out the Goddess Garden and Boo Bamboo lines.
When it comes to Vitamin D, once we apply sunscreen, we limit our body’s natural ability to make Vitamin D (an important hormone in the body). So getting some sun exposure can be a good thing, however, once the skin turns pink, it’s too much! Getting 10-15 min of “unscreened” skin exposure can often be enough, and then make sure to apply that SPF!
- Exfoliate
You may be sporting a lovely summer glow and think that that dry flaky skin of the colder months renders exfoliating unnecessary. But you should be exfoliating once or twice a week throughout the year in order to remove dead skin cells, noticeable or not. Exfoliating helps improve micro-circulation and distribute nutrients to your skin cells. Try a non-chemical exfoliant, or even have a go at making your own using oatmeal, honey, or even yogurt.
- Moisturize
Your skin may not feel as dry as it does in winter, but moisturizing is still important. Many moisturizers these days come with SPF worked right into them, so why not do double-duty and moisturize at the same time as you protect your skin from those harsh summer rays? As we said above, opt for a moisturizer with at least 30 SPF. In terms of sunburns, moisturizing is key here too. As you probably already know, Aloe Vera is a great natural remedy for sunburns!
- Seek Shade, Watch for Sand and Water
The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10am and 2pm, which means you should seek shade during these hours (some research even suggests between 10am and 4pm). One way to tell is to practice the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, then you should find shade. Take extra care around sand and water as these surfaces reflect the sun’s rays, upping the possibility of sunburn. Same goes for mirror-like sunglasses, which can direct harsh rays onto your cheeks.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
The heat and humidity of the summer leads to sweating, which can lead to becoming dehydrated much faster. Not only does drinking lots of water keep you healthy for a number of reasons, including hydration, but it helps flush out toxins at the same time. This will help with that sparkling glow you’ll no doubt be showing off this summer!
- Ensure Sun-Protective Clothing
We all know about the importance of wearing sunglasses with UV protection, but did you know that different fabrics provide varying degrees of protection too? I.e., tightly woven fabrics like twill provide more UV protection than open weave fabrics. So next time you think that loose-knit cardigan renders sunscreen unnecessary, think again. And maybe check-out a rash guard on those paddle-boarding days!
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