Summer Skincare Tips

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Summer Skincare Protection

We have to treat our skin good all year long, but especially during those summer months when we are outside more, the days of sunlight are longer, and the sun is more intense.

1. The Beauty of Hats. One of the easiest and most stylish ways to protect your beautiful face is by wearing a fun, flirty hat to protect skin and your tender eye areas from those UV rays. Keep an extra hat in your car, or get one of those that scrunch up in your purse, just in case.

2. Shady Lane. Seek out shady places, bring an umbrella with you if needed. Check to see if your children's school or daycare offers a shady area to play outdoors. If they don't, express your concern and offer to help with a fundraiser or seek funds somehow to get it done.

3. Limits. Try to limit your sun exposure to under 20 minutes per day of direct sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure if you can during mid-day times (10-3) when the sun is most intense.

4. Stay Hydrated Inside and Out. Dehydration effects directly and quickly can appear on the skin, so keep the facial skin hydrated with a toner or a light misting of purified water throughout the day. Keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water thoughtout the day. Eatings lots of fruits and vegetables in their natural state (not processed) helps to keep the skin hydrated as well.

5. Moisturize. Keep facial skin moisturized all the time, with serums or creams to help provide an added barrier of protection. Look for products that contain oils with UV protective properties including: Red Raspberry Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Jojoba.

6. Screening the Sun. If you "have" to be in direct sun, apply sunscreen lotion on all exposed skin 15 minutes before exposure to the sun. Reapply as needed. The Journal of American Academy of Dermatology reported that women were more likely to develop melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) on their chests in 2004 than in the '70s. So make sure you apply it to all exposed areas!

7. Don't ever go tanning! The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that "Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen. Currently tanning beds are regulated by the FDA as Class I medical devices, the same designation given elastic bandages and tongue depressors. Ten minutes in a sunbed matches the cancer-causing effects of 10 minutes in the Mediterranean summer sun."

8. Clothing. Look for UV-protective clothing (and even hats) labeled with the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of recommendation.They even make UV protective swimsuits. I highly recommend the UV protective swimsuits for children especially.

9. Lip Love. Don't forget the lips! Lips can be so sensitive to sunlight and are often ignored. Apply and reapply your lip balm all day long. Keep it handy and keep a few around (one in the car, one in your bathroom, one in the kitchen, etc.) I don't know what I'd do with an assortment of lip balms scattered throughout my day!

10. What's Up Doc? Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. Make an appointment with a dermatologist annually to check for any abnormalities on your skin. Early detection is the key to help prevent skin cancer.

You can also find some helpful Skin Cancer Facts by visiting the American Cancer Society's Website here.

So, stay cool and hip by following these skin-so-safe guidelines and your skin will thank you over and over with it's vibrant health for years to come.