The summer holidays can be the most stressful time of year for your skin. You are more likely to spend hours in the sun and less likely to take care of your skin with skincare products. That’s why it is so important to know how to save your skin this summer. In this guide, we will share our favorite tips on how you can make sure that you still have healthy-looking skin by the end of summer break.
Protect your skin from the sun with a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF between 30 and 50. Make sure to use a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, which means that it protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go outside (this way your skin will be adequately protected for several hours). Wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Apply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily.
If you want to try a homemade sunscreen, mix together one tablespoon of coconut oil with a teaspoon each of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Apply the mixture on your face or body before going outside for the day.
Don’t forget to maintain a routine for your skin
Summer holidays are so exciting, you tend to forget your routine, which includes your regular skin regimen.
It’s very important to keep up with regular cleansing and moisturizing products, especially if you will be spending time in the sun this summer. Try to get a visit to a spa as well. This one, a stem cell center in Atlanta, offers some advanced treatments that will complement what you’re doing for your skin already.
A surface layer of excess dead skin can make your skin look dull and old. Exfoliating will remove these dead cells and allow your skin to regenerate new ones. Use an exfoliator at least once a week, but make sure not to overdo it as this can irritate the surface of the skin and cause irritation or inflammation.
Eat healthy foods to stay energized and nourished during the long summer days
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which will help you to stay hydrated because these foods contain high concentrations of water.
Stay away from sugary drinks like sodas or juices because they can dehydrate your skin. Drink lots of water. A good rule is to drink half the amount that is in a bottle or glass each time you refill it. Choose low-sodium foods and lean proteins to keep your salt levels in check.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays
Wearing sunglasses is one of the best ways to protect your eyes from UV rays. Choose a pair that has 100% UVA and UVB protection. This will help prevent cataracts or macular degeneration caused by sun damage.
Keep your glasses on when you are outside for as long as possible in order to shield your eyes from UV radiation. If you don’t wear glasses, try wearing a hat or visor to shield your face from the sun’s rays.
Get plenty of sleep each night
This is so you can wake up feeling refreshed for another day in the sunshine. Sleep deprivation can lead to a variety of complications, including dehydration. Make sure you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep each night so that your skin stays hydrated and healthy.
Close all the windows in your home before going to bed (or turn on an air conditioner). This will keep humid air out which is bad for your skin.
If you’re planning on sleeping outside, bring along a lightweight tent or shelter (if available) and use an insect repellent to keep bugs away from your face.
Apply moisturizer right before bed to seal in the moisture that was lost during the night. This will help maintain healthy-looking skin all summer long.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can cause dehydration
Alcohol is dehydrating because it can cause your kidneys to work harder. Caffeine will also increase the production of urine which causes you to lose more water.
Drink lots of fluids throughout the day so that you are well-hydrated and don’t feel the need for any caffeine or alcohol at night.
Stay indoors during the hottest hours when possible
Go for walks or sit on the porch during morning or evening hours instead. UV rays, which are most intense at the hottest part of the day, can cause damage to your skin. This will cause your skin to show signs of aging, like wrinkles, prematurely.
You may be wondering why it’s so important to take care of your skin. Well, there is a lot more at stake than just avoiding wrinkles and sunspots. The most common risks with unprotected exposure to UV rays include premature aging and cancer. You don’t want that. So use this guide to protect your skin. It will certainly thank you.
