Skin is the body’s largest organ, which means it needs some extra TLC as the seasons change. And while each season may come with its own set of challenges for keeping skin healthy, the summer sun can be especially damaging—and potentially deadly—if you’re not careful. With summer in full effect, consider these tips to make sure your skin stays healthy.
Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
Even if you regularly use a moisturizer with SPF, it’s important to layer on the sunscreen. This is especially important to remember in the summer months. When spending more time outside, it’s important to take advantage of all the protection methods you can. During the summer, layering your moisturizer and other sun protection methods becomes crucial. Before applying makeup, make sure to start with a good, SPF-based moisturizer. Once that sets, apply a face-specific sunscreen lotion with no less than 35 SPF. For touch-ups, you may want to consider investing in a lighter spray formula that you can use to reapply throughout the day especially if you plan on being in direct sunlight for long periods of time—because let’s be honest, you’re most likely not going to reapply another layer of lotion and smudge your makeup. Oh, and don’t forget to protect that pout too; get a good SPF lip balm to shield the delicate tissue around your mouth.
Accessorize
The sun gives you a perfect excuse to up the ante on your fashion accessories. Sport a cute baseball cap, or test-drive that wide-brimmed, straw number that’s been begging for a day at the beach. You may even consider adding a summer scarf for an extra bit of protection. There are several brands that offer stylish alternatives to sun protection, like SummerSkin, which features an array of hats, infinity scarves, even cute dresses and shirts that are made with UV-resistant fabric.
Transform your makeup routine
The summer months are infamous for wreaking havoc on our beauty routines, especially when it comes to makeup. You may want to try experimenting with different formulas (for example, switching from liquid to powder-based foundation) and it might be a good time to take your sun protection game up a notch with a sun-savvy makeup brand like Colorescience. This mineral makeup brand formulates its products with UV Protectors and antioxidants that deliver non-chemical sunscreen protection alongside the added defense from environmental stressors. It’s also gentle enough for almost every skin type to be both layered and reapplied throughout the day. Check out their collection of titanium dioxide sunscreen; solutions made with titanium oxide provide extra sun protection without adding unhealthy toxins to your skin, and this sunscreen won’t break down in the sun.
Check your Rx
Some medications can make your skin much more prone to burning and damage. Acne medications, such as tetracycline, doxycycline, and Accutane, and even some antibiotics like Cipro—commonly used for treating UTIs—are known to cause sun sensitivity. In addition, some antidepressants and antianxiety drugs may also up the skin sensitivity factor. So do yourself a favor: check the potential side effects of your current prescriptions and protect yourself accordingly!
Reduce Your Stress
Stress can drastically impact your immune system. And without a steady immune system, your body is much more vulnerable to an array of diseases and ailments, including cancer. One recent study suggests that a weakened immune system makes your body much less able to repair cell damage that may occur due to UV exposure; as a result, your body may become more susceptible to developing skin cancer. So, when summer plans, trips, and the daily grind begin heating up, make sure to schedule some downtime for yourself. Try adopting a meditation practice, take a yoga class, or block off at least 30 minutes a day to read or do something that recharges you.
Sunproof Your Commute
Did you know that UVA rays can penetrate through both your car’s side and back windows? That’s right—studies have shown that the more time drivers spend in their cars, the more susceptible they are to both sun-damage and cancer-causing rays. So, if you have a long commute or regularly put in lots of mileage, it’s more important than ever to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face, neck, arms, hands or any other skin area that’s exposed. You may also even consider getting a UV filter for your car windows.
With these tips in your arsenal, your skin will make it through the summer unscathed. Practice sun safety year-round and create a glowing complexion you’ll be proud to show off.
