Hydration is key not only for overall health but also for maintaining beautiful skin. Dehydrated skin may cause your skin to appear dry, dull, and scaly, and you’ll even begin to notice the presence of fine lines and wrinkles. Our body loses more water by sweating during summer, so it is very important to keep ourselves hydrated throughout the day. An adequate amount of water keeps the toxins out, and it keeps your skin full and prevents it from becoming dry and flaky. Don’t forget to carry a water bottle with you, and if plain water gets boring, add slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint leaves for a refreshing twist. It’s also important to hydrate your skin topically with skincare products containing ingredients like hyaluronic
Sunscreen
is Non-Negotiable:
Sunscreen is a must for your summer skincare routine!
Did you know? You can check the UV index on your phone's weather
app. If the UV index is greater than 6, use extra care by reapplying
a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 every two hours and be extra careful with your
time in the sun.
When the UV index is higher than 6, try to avoid being outdoors between 10
AM and 2 PM.
Dr. Mara Weinstein joined us on WROC8 News to discuss UV
Index and sun safety.
Damaging UV can burn your skin, creating sunburns,
premature aging of the skin, and eventually, a development of a skin
cancer risk. Approximately one out of every five
Americans can get skin cancer in their lifetime; take extra precautionary measures at all costs. Apply generously a
broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor
rating of 30 and above, always covering every exposed part of
your body with it.
Pro tip: Choose sunscreens with mineral-based active ingredients like titanium
dioxide and zinc oxide. These natural elements sit on top
of the skin and reflect sunlight, preventing UV radiation
from entering the skin. In addition, the active ingredients
reflect both UVA and UVB rays; they work immediately after
application.
If you tend to deal with hyperpigmentation, try a
tinted mineral-based sunscreen. Iron oxides are one of the primary
active ingredients in tinted sunscreens, and they happen to block visible
light/ blue light, which is often attributed to
pigment production of the skin.
3. Always Reapply Sunscreen:
Reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating. If you
don't want to be continually applying a liquid formula, try a
powder or compact SPF 30+.
Do I need sunscreen if it's cloudy?
Yes, still wear sunscreen on overcast days. While clouds cover
the sun's rays, they do not block out UV. While UVB
rays aren't able to pass through glass, UVA rays are.
UVA causes collagen degradation and is responsible for
speeding up signs of skin aging. Therefore, protection in indoor settings or
when sitting in a car becomes necessary for keeping the
skin youthful, smooth, and healthy.
Embrace Antioxidants
Antioxidants are the superheroes of your skin,
especially in summers. Sun can cause skin cell damage with
the help of unstable molecules called free radicals.
However, antioxidant-rich foods like berries, citrus fruits, leafy
greens, and green tea can stabilize those free radicals, preventing them from
damaging your skin cells.
Antioxidants also stimulate collagen production, keeping your
skin young and radiant. Consider using skincare products containing antioxidants
like vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extracts to reinforce your skin's
defense against environmental damage.
Post-Sun Care:
Pamper your skin with some after-sun care after a day of fun in the sun!
Take a cool shower to soothe your skin and remove sweat or residue
from sunscreen. Follow through with a hydrating, soothing
moisturizer to give back to your skin what it lost. If you get
sunburned, apply aloe vera gel to the affected areas. Avoid peeling the skin
and keep yourself away from heat sources, like hot showers, to avoid further
irritation.
Wear protective clothing and stay in the shade when the sun is
strongest. By following this easy routine, your skin will
be healthy and glowing throughout the summer, and you'll
make the most of this beautiful time of year. So go ahead, have
fun under the sun-just keep your skin happy and protected.
