With summer here, everyone wants to get out there to enjoy the outdoors. However, whether it is work or leisure that takes you outdoors, there are some precautions you need to take to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Direct and prolonged exposure to sun rays in the summer can result in sunburn, sensitive and damaged skin. In addition, exposure to UV radiation from the sun has been proven to cause sunburn and even the most dangerous form of cancer- melanoma.
However, we aren’t entirely helpless here, there are a fair number of ways to care for our skin’s health. So how can you protect your skin this summer?
We all know we need to protect ourselves from intense sunlight, yet how many of us actually make an effort towards that?
Wearing sun-shields like head coverings, sunglasses and sunscreen are some commonly known ways to protect our skin in the summer heat. So what else do we need to know that can help us? Here, let’s take a look at what the experts suggest you need to do to care for your skin.
Drinking Plenty of Water
“The number one tip to protect your skin from sun damage during summer is drinking enough water so your body is fully hydrated and your skin can feel refreshed all day long. I’d suggest you keep a bottle of water with you whenever you go out. Even better, start drinking detox water to flush out toxins and get healthy and glowing skin as an added bonus. A minimum of 8 glasses of water is recommended to keep your skin hydrated, to recover from sunburns, and to feel fresh.”
Harman Awal is a beauty and lifestyle blogger for Your Girl Knows
Sunscreen
“Protecting your skin from the sun is vital for taking care of your skin and preventing the risk of skin cancer. You should wear sunscreen whenever you’re exposed to the sun, no matter the season. Make sure the sunscreen you’re using offers broad spectrum protection, because this protects people from both UVA and UVB rays. Use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. A helpful way to always wear sunscreen is to use a moisturizer which already includes sunscreen in its formula.”
Ming Zhao, the CEO and Co-Founder of Proven Skincare
Avoid Direct Sunlight
“To optimally protect your skin during the hot summer days, you need to think wider than just wearing sunscreen. A sunscreen with high SPF and high protection from UVA is of course a must. But no sunscreen will give you a full cover. Make sure to avoid being directly in the sun during peak hours (11 am – 3 pm), and make sure to protect your skin from the inside too. The best way to do that is to eat certain carotenoids that you found in colorful fruits and vegetables. These power nutrients are proven to help block out UV-rays, help fight free radicals, and on top of that boost production of both collagen and hyaluronic acid. A bonus with eating lots of colorful fruits and vegetables is that you get plenty of vitamin C at the same time. Which is another important component for sun protection and collagen synthesis.”
Ann Ramark is a nutritionist specialized in skin health. She is also the founder of the anti-aging blog A Younger Skin
Vitamin C
“One way to protect your skin during the summer is to wear a Vitamin C serum underneath your sunscreen. Vitamin C is a natural sun protectant so it gives your skin an extra boost of sun protection, while at the same time its antioxidant properties are also protecting your skin from oxidants and pollutants in the air.”
Stacy Caprio, Renuw Skincare
Follow a Skin Care Routine
“Caring for your skin will begin with skincare routines. Especially in summers, your skin tends to get oily and sunburns are quite common. Follow your skincare routine regularly. Taking cheat days more often will reduce the effect and not give the desired results. Use face wash twice a day to get rid of excess oil from your face. Prefer face washes containing exfoliation seeds. This will clear up the pores and prevent pimples. Under the scorching heat, make sure to keep your skin hydrated. It will help you maintain a clean system and keep you fresh and cool. Avoid putting on heavy makeup because it doesn’t let your skin breathe. The humidity will already make your face sticky enough. With layers of makeup, it will only get worse. You can use tinted lip balm or a tinted moisturizer if you like.”
Dr. Robert Goldman, CEO/Founder Robert Goldman
Considering the severe consequences of exposure to direct sunlight and its UV rays, it is essential we adhere to basic skin protection methods during the summer, especially when doing some under the sun activities such as going to the waterside or moving to another property. It is wise to follow these tips and do some other skin damage-prevention tips like hiring reputable movers to help you carry out activities that can harm your skin. And surely, you could easily get through the summer without having to worry about skin damage.