While our skin needs to be protected year round, the bulk of sun damage tends to occur during the summer months. With just a few tweaks to your routine you can protect your skin in a natural, healthy way and still enjoy all your favorite summer activities.
Adding a layer of sunscreen protects skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. To ensure you get into this habit find a sunscreen you like. There are multiple kinds with different textures, absorption, coloration and scents. Choose one with at least SPF 15. I recommend natural, physical sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin. They contain the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (preferable). A natural sunscreen that rates high amongst environmental groups and consumers is UV Natural.
Make sure your sunscreen filters both UVB light (sunburn, cancer) and UVA light (premature aging, cancer). If you are a swimmer, or sweat a lot, water resistance is important. Find an oil-free sunscreen if you are prone to breakouts. Keep in mind that you may need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day if you are outdoors for many hours.
On the face, apply sunscreen before your day cream and underneath makeup. Sunscreen alone is a better protector from UV rays than makeup with SPF in it. If you need a touchup during the day there are some natural foundation powders that can help such as Jane Iredale’s Pure Pressed Mineral Powder with SPF 20. Protect your lips as well. Dermatologists recommend applying a lip balm with SPF every two hours while outside in the sun. Avoid glossy, pale colors.
Another way to deflect the effect of the sun’s harmful rays on your skin is to wear a broad brim hat. Clothing lines with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating show how much of the sun’s light the fabric absorbs. To beat the rays, wardrobe choices in summer might include tightly woven, dark or bright fabrics. That’s right, save white for winter. Wear sunglasses with a UV 400 protection to protect your eyes and the sensitive skin areas around them.
On particularly hot and humid days a facial mist containing natural minerals can help replace those lost through sweat. Pores appear larger during summer heat and humidity so you may want to exfoliate one extra time during the week.
You can keep your bronze glow by using natural sunless tanning products that contain sunscreen. Lavera Self Tanner includes all natural and organic ingredients.
After long summer days your skin deserves a luxe body cream that moisturizes and hydrates. Your best bet of course is YASOU body cream with certified organic extra virgin olive oil, organic aloe vera, shea butter, essential oils and other natural ingredients that pamper and nurture your skin.
Don’t forget to visit your local farmer’s market to buy fresh produce such as tomatoes, avocados, citrus and berries all of which contain anti-oxidants and anti-aging properties that can protect your skin. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Enjoy your summer while protecting your skin. YASOU!