During the summer months, the warm sunshine, humid air and increased amounts of time outdoors can wreak havoc on your skin. From sunburns to dehydration and itchiness, it can be difficult to maintain healthy skin during the summer. Here are some tips on how to keep your skin healthy during the hot summer months.
Wear Sunscreen
No matter how young or old you are, it’s important to wear sunscreen. Make sure to choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 and that is water resistant. Apply sunscreen liberally on all exposed areas of your skin about 15 minutes before venturing outside. Reapply every two hours and after every time you take a swim. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on the face, back of neck, behind the ears and any other areas that may not be covered with clothing.
Limit Time Outdoors
The sun’s rays can be the most damaging during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Whenever possible, it’s best to stay in the shade during these times and to avoid prolonged bouts of sunshine. If you must be outdoors during these times, wear a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight breathable clothing to protect your skin.
Stay Hydrated
Adequate hydration can make a huge difference in how healthy your skin is during the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of water each day to keep your skin well hydrated and healthy. If you are going to be outdoors for prolonged periods of time, bring a bottle of water with you.
Don’t Forget Moisturizer
You may think that moisturizing in the summer is unnecessary, but it is important to keep your skin moisturized, especially if you are spending a lot of time outdoors. Look for a moisturizer with an SPF to protect your skin while also keeping it hydrated.
Take Cold Showers and Avoid Hot Baths
Hot water can strip natural oils and moisture away from the skin so it’s best to take cold showers instead. If you prefer a hot bath, make sure to only soak for a short time and apply moisturizer or a cold cream immediately afterwards.
Ease Up on Products
It’s important to ease up on skin and hair products during the summer months. Heavy products can weigh down the hair and cause clogged pores. Look for lightweight products with natural ingredients to keep your skin and hair feeling clean and healthy.
Conclusion
Keeping your skin healthy during the summer months can be challenging but it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your skin stays hydrated and protected. Wear sunscreen, limit time outdoors, stay hydrated, use a moisturizer and ease up on products. Following these tips will help keep your skin healthy and looking its best all summer long!
Which sunscreen should I use to maintain healthy skin during the summer months?
It is important to look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher and provides broad-spectrum protection. Look for sunscreens that are labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic” as these are less likely to cause skin irritation and breakouts. Make sure your sunscreen is free of fragrances, parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate as these can be irritating to the skin. Consider using a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
What type of sunscreen is best for protecting the face from sun damage?
The best type of sunscreen to protect the face from sun damage is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for sunscreens that include both UVA and UVB protection and are labeled as “non-comedogenic,” which means the sunscreen does not block pores and can help reduce acne. Physical sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are also ideal for facial protection.
What is the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen?
Physical sunscreen contains mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that reflect the sun’s UV rays and act as physical barriers on the skin. Chemical sunscreen acts like a sponge to absorb the UV rays, then converts the energy from those rays into heat which is dissipated from the skin. Physical sunscreens tend to be more likely to irritate the skin, while chemical sunscreens are generally better tolerated. Both types of sunscreen should be used to maximize sun protection.
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, contains active ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, has active ingredients that are absorbed into the skin and work to absorb and scatter harmful UV rays. Mineral sunscreens tend to be more irritating to the skin and less cosmetically attractive than chemical sunscreens, but provide excellent broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
What are the benefits of mineral sunscreen?
1. Broad-Spectrum Protection: Mineral sunscreen is often referred to as a “physical” sunscreen, because it provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Non-Irritating: Mineral sunscreens do not contain chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which can cause skin irritation in some people.
3. Non-Toxic: Mineral sunscreens contain naturally occurring ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide the same protection against UV rays without containing any toxic ingredients.
4. Non-Comedogenic: Unlike chemical sunscreens that may contain ingredients that can clog pores, mineral sunscreens are non-comedogenic and can be used on individuals with acne-prone skin.
5. Effective Immediately: One of the biggest benefits of mineral sunscreen is that it is effective upon application, which means you don’t have to wait for it to start working.
