6 Tips For Your Best Summer Skin
1. Skin Health
Skin cancer is becoming more prevalent. Studies have proven that chronic sun exposure without protection can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which have been related to basal cell carcinoma one of the leading forms of skin cancer and squamous cell carcinoma which is the second most common skin cancer. Damage caused by UVA rays often go unnoticed by the naked eye, because the damage lies in the deeper dermal layers of the skin. It is best to be proactive and use a proper sunscreen that contains zinc and/or titanium dioxide to help protect the skin from harmful rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are great natural minerals used as a sunscreen they work immediately after being applied to the skin and they last for hours before needing to be reapplied. Synthetic or chemical sunscreens need to be applied a half hour or more before going out into the sun and then need to be reapplied frequently to get the same effect.
Popular sunscreens with zinc oxide are Green Beaver, Badger and Goddess Garden.
2. Photo Aging and Sunspot
Photo aging is premature aging of the skin it is most commonly caused by sun exposure, especially UV rays. Sunspots are another form of sun damage that appear on the skin due to frequent sun exposure.
They are either freckle-like or splotches of discoloured skin that appear most commonly on the face and cheeks. Prevention is that best source of action, using a proper facial sunscreen year round is key.
A few really great facial sunscreens include Devita, 100% Pure and Graydon.
3. Collagen and Elastin
Excessive sun exposure can also lead to acceleration of collagen and elastin breakdown. This creates premature lines, wrinkles and sagging of the skin. Again, using a great sunscreen to help protect the skin is best. Vitamin C helps aid in the production of collagen so using it in a lotion topically or even taking it internally is very healing and great for tightening and firming the skin.
Products that contain Seabuckthorn and /or rosehip seed oil are naturally high in vitamin C. NewCo Brocofusion Sulphoraphane Lotion is also a great go to for skin repair.
4. Tanning
Yes! Tanning gives that beautiful bronze complexion. It hides discolouration, sunspots, evens out skin tone and makes the skin look silky smooth and glowing. Although over an extended time whether it be a real tan or from a tanning booth it over time can create uneven skin tone, pigmentation issues, broken blood vessels, wrinkling and thickening of the skin. A great alternative to getting that perfect tan look with out the skin damage and dry skin would be to use a cream self tanner. It is easier to apply and does not use the chemical ingredients found in spray tans that can easily be inhaled into the lungs.
A few options would be True Nature Tanning Cream and Sukin Natural Bronzing Gel.
5. Cleansing
Properly cleansing your face and body during the hot summer months is crucial in keeping it clean and clear. Skin can get dry and irritated from the sun, salt water and chlorine. Making sure to cool and cleanse the skin will stop it from being itchy and dry by reducing the residue that can sit on the surface. Oil, sweat and dirt during hot weather are inevitable. Use a good scrub and cleanser to get a deep clean. This will help with any breakouts and will keep the skin fresh, clear and radiant.
Staff favourites include 100% Pure Foaming Cleansers, Aroma Crystal Therapy face and body wash.
6. Hydrate and Moisturize
It is important to stay hydrated inside and out. During the hot summer months we perspire a lot, this means we are losing a lot of water. It is very important to drink plenty of water to keep dehydration at bay and keeps skin healthy and glowing. Drinking aloe juice is also a good way to amp up the hydration and keep the body cool. Moisturizing the skin topically is important especially after spending the day outdoors in the sun or in the water. After a long day in the sun and heat it is important to use a good after sun lotion or aloe vera just to help cool and moisturize the skin, this will help it from becoming dry and irritated and may even stop a sunburn from travelling deeper into the skin. Skin also becomes dry and itchy after being in chlorinated pools or salt water. It is important to cleanse and moisturize the skin to keep it soft and supple.
A few great options Natures Aid Aloe Vera Gel and Dr. Hauschka After Sun Lotion.
Yana Gonela is our Body Care Manager
