The sun ages the skin over time. Despite the temporary benefits of a tan, it's best to try to limit the long-term effects of sun exposure with a little prevention. Here are some summer skin care tips to protect the skin.
Tips for Avoiding Sunburn
Prevention is easier than concealing or trying to fix sun damage and wrinkles. Some of the below tips are excerpted from the WebMD article, "Skin Conditions: Sun Safety Tips." When possible, follow these summer skin care tips to protect skin:
- Try to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours of 10 am and 2 pm when possible.
- Use a sunscreen with 15+ SPF every day (SPF of 30 or more is even better).
- Always wear sunblock year-round, even when it’s cloudy. Sunburns and sun damage occurs even through the clouds.
- Reapply sunscreen liberally every hour as it sweats off. Also reapply before and after swimming.
- Seek shade. Use a beach umbrella. Wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide brimmed hat, especially at the beach or pool.
- Wear a cover-up or longer sleeves. For sensitive skins, a light t-shirt or long-sleeve cotton tunic may prevent sunburn.
- Add sun care accessories such as lip balm with SPF and a hair protecting spray with SPF.
- Use body lotion or aloe vera gel to moisturize skin after sun exposure.
- Keep all sun care accessories in a handy purse or beach bag so they are not forgotten.
Summer Skin Care Options
Besides tanning, there are other ways to get a glowing tan without the sun damage. For example:
- Self-tanners. Buy a self-tanning lotion at a drugstore or cosmetics counter. It takes some practice to apply self tanner correctly without any streaking. Exfoliate well and apply it at home for almost immediate results.
- Spray tan. Get a spray tan at a spa for an even, natural-looking tan without downsides of sun exposure. The skin should be well exfoliated with a spa treatment or at home treatment before the spray tan is applied.
- Makeup. Women and men can use tinted moisturizers that add a hint of natural color. Many tinted moisturizers have SPF, which makes them very useful as a multi-functional product. A bronzer can also be used for a sun-kissed look. Also, many foundations, powders, and lip glosses contain sunscreen for added sun protection.
Summer Skin Care Essentials
Healthy and beautiful skin starts with proper skin care and protection. Use the above tips for summer skin care, and avoid sunburn and sun damage that ages the skin. It's far easier to prevent sun damage than to correct it. Enjoy the summer but don’t neglect the skin.
Reference
WebMD.com, "Skin Conditions: Sun Safety Tips." (accessed June 2, 2010)
