10 Tips for Beautiful Summer Skin
Summer is a wonderful time of year, but the sun and heat can take a toll on your skin,
hair, and body. That doesn’t mean you should stay indoors — with a
little care and a few precautions, you can enjoy summer to its fullest.
1. Try a Self-Tanner
Ultraviolet (UV) rays
from the sun are very damaging, especially OVA rays. They not only burn
your skin and cause premature aging, but can also lead to skin cancer.
So, instead of lying for hours in the sun, get that sun kissed glow
with a self-tanner. Many salons offer spray-on tan services, or you can
purchase an inexpensive self-tanning lotion at your local drugstore.
Gradual self-tanning moisturizers keep your skin smooth as they help you
control just exactly how bronzed you become, and they are less prone to
streaking. Just remember to exfoliate before you apply self-tanner to
remove any dry skin that could pick up excess color and lead to an
uneven appearance.
2. Slather on Sunscreen
Many dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen
with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. The Skin Cancer
Foundation points out that tests demonstrated SPF 30 products block out
only 4 percent more rays — 97 percent compared to 93 percent for SPF 15.
So know that you’re getting more protection with SPF 30, but not double
the amount of SPF 15. In the past, broad-spectrum SPF sunscreens made
skin look whitish because of the opaque nature of zinc oxide and
titanium dioxide, which physically block UV rays, but with more refined, microsecond formulations, you can get their sun protection benefits
without the ghostly appearance.
More sunscreen smarts to follow include:
- Check the sunscreen’s ingredients list; it should contain agents that block both OVA and U VB rays.
- Apply sunscreen regularly, as it will wear off with prolonged swimming or sweating.
- Even if it’s cloudy, ultraviolet rays can still reach your skin, so wear sunscreen even on sunless days.
- Many makeup and skin care products contain an SPF agent, but don’t be fooled: Look for the SPF number and use extra sunscreen if it’s below 15.
3. Give ’Em Lip Service
Use a lip sunscreen with SPF agent even if you’re putting lipstick on, too.
4. Remember Hair Care
The beating sun will hit your hair hard, but there are a number of
sprays containing SPF that you can put on after you wash your hair. This
is a must if your tresses has been chemically treated.
Another tip: Don’t over wash your hair as this can remove the oils that naturally protect it.
5. Exfoliate Head to Toe
Expensive scrubs and salts feel wonderful, but if you’re on a
budget, you can do just as good a job using an exfoliation mitt or glove
and your regular body wash. Gentle exfoliation is essential if you’ve
had any area waxed, particularly in the bikini area, as it can help
prevent ingrown hairs.
6. Moisturize and Nourish With Oils
Elbows, feet, and ankles can get very dry, so try avocado oil to
keep them healthy and smooth. Avocado oil not only moisturizes, but also
has nourishing properties as it contains vitamin E.
7. Be Kind to Your Face
Chemical peels, creams, scrubs, and other products containing glycerol acids and cretinous should not be used if you spend a lot of
time in the sun: These treatments can make your skin more sun sensitive
and cause more damage to your skin. If you must use them, wear a hat and
sunscreen to protect your face. Follow this advice as well if you’re
taking certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, which also make you
more prone to sunburn.
8. Try Mineral Makeup
Because mineral makeup
has a light powder base, it won’t sweat off as easily as regular
foundation. Some mineral bases even contain a built-in SPF. And you
don’t have to spend a fortune: Check out what’s in the aisles at your
local pharmacy or supermarket. There are many inexpensive brands there
that are as good as the more pricey products sold in department stores.
9. You Are What You Eat
Your skin needs lots of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, so
check out your local farmer’s market for the freshest fare in summer
fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in antioxidants and protein, such as
fresh produce, fish, and eggs, can stimulate collagen growth, which
keeps the skin elastic and helps prevent wrinkles.
10. Drink Plenty of Water
The beating sun can dry your skin and make you sweat more, so keep
hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re active, you need to
drink at least 8 glasses during the day. Be careful though: You can
actually drink too much and that can be dangerous.