How to Sun-Proof Your Skin for the Summer

     

We all want that glorious, kissed-by-the-sun look.


You know, the one where it seems like we just took a week’s long trip to Italy and basked in the rays on the beaches by the Tyrrhenian Sea.


I mean, really, who doesn’t love just soaking in all that Vitamin D, getting your sleep cycle regulated, and gushing with happy feelings? Well, I know at least one: your skin!


In fact, sunshine—in all of its glory—is one of the biggest causes of aging.


Yikes! Can’t I get all the good benefits of the sun without the bad?


It’s possible, but first, you need to start shielding your skin from the sun’s powerful (but harmful) rays before all that bad sets in.

Sunscreen—Everyday, All Day!

Many people (raise your hand if you’re one of them) think that sunscreen is only for those special occasions. Like when you’re working in the yard or going to the beach.


But it’s not!


Sunscreen should be applied every day, and often throughout the day. And make sure it's a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection.


Because honestly, do you really want to mess around, forget the sunscreen, and end up with a pretty awful sunburn, skin damage, or wrinkles?


And another thing to remember, sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself from skin cancer.

Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliating your skin is the best way to rejuvenate it. When you exfoliate and remove dead skin build-up on your face, you’ll be able to better moisturize and protect your skin from the sun.


But just be careful, exfoliating scrubs that contain salicylic or glycolic acid can cause your skin to be more susceptible to getting sunburned.


And be sure to exfoliate at night—when you’re going to be out of the sun for a couple of hours.

Always Moisturize

It’s hard to remember to moisturize your face in general, and it’s even harder to remember to buy a moisturizer that contains SPF.


You’ll want to apply moisturizer before you go in the sun, and then immediately after.

Pass the Water Please

So not only is water a great drink to have to cool off from those hot summer days, but it also provides much-needed relief for your skin.


To help regulate and keep your body hydrated (and moisturized), eight glasses of water or more can do a lot of good—especially when it’s sweltering outside!

Hats Off to You

Have a hat in your closet? Bring it out and put it on!


Studies show that majority of skin cancer occurs from the neck up. So pick out your biggest (widest) hat and put it on before going outside in the sun.


And did we mention sunglasses? Your eyes need protection from the sun just as much as the rest of you.

Don’t Stop

Just because the sun’s not out or summer ends doesn’t mean you need to stop protecting yourself from its harmful rays.


Get into a good habit of applying sunscreen and taking care of your skin regardless of the weather or season. Because after all, your skin is your body’s largest organ, take care of it.


What do you do to protect your skin from those powerful sun rays? Let us know in the comment section below or share it with us on our Facebook page.