Summer Skin Care Tips

Spring is in full bloom and the temperature is finally starting to warm up. While we are in this transition phase between Winter and Spring, you should start preparing your skin for the warmer temperature and more sun exposure. While those sunny rays may feel sensational, the effects of the sun may not be as agreeable over time. Here are some great tips for your Spring and Summer skin care:

Let’s talk Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a highly recommended defense against sunburn and skin cancer. It is now available in lotions, creams, ointments, gels, wax sticks, and spray. Some even have glitter...sparkle like the star you are all summer long. The type of sunscreen to use depends on your preference, MK provides a great sun care line for lips, face, and all over.

Look for sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. According to The American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.

Check the label to make sure it provides broad-spectrum protection. If it does not have broad-spectrum protection, the sunscreen may filter only UVB light, the major culprit for sunburn and skin cancer. You want protection from UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging of the skin.

Remember: skin damage can happen even without a burn.

Lip Protection 101
To keep your lips healthy and ultra smooth look for lip-specific products that have SPF 15 or higher. You want to apply lip product every two hours or so, based on the amount of contact with the UV rays. This next tidbit cannot be stressed enough: while in the sun, stay away from baby oil, petroleum jelly, or high-shine lip gloss. They can cause your lips to burn very quickly in the hot sun.

Don’t forget your sunglasses
Prolonged UV exposure can redden the whites of eyes, just as the sun can burn skin. Over time this can lead to serious eye problems. To prevent eye damage, choose sunglasses with the following qualities:

• UV 400 protection. It blocks up to 400 nano-meters of UV light.
• Impact resistant. You want shades that can possibly withstand your active lifestyle.
• The right color lenses. Black, Brown, and Gray shades protect best.

Good Ol’ H2O
Higher temperatures and more time outdoors lead to internal dehydration, which will reflect in your skin’s complexion. Eight 8-ounce glasses of plain, filtered water every day help maintain critical moisture balance of the body and skin, and assist in detoxification. If you drink caffeinated beverages, you should triple the amount of water you drink.

When you are out and about enjoying the warm weather just remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. To prepare for those days when you will be out in the sun a lot, keep a travel size sunscreen in your bag as well as extra lip balm. So you are never without a pair of sunglasses, stash a pair in your car or in your work bag. Have fun in the sun and with these tips you can avoid the burn. If you have any great summer skin care tips, comment below.