Get Ready For The Sun With These Skin-Loving Tips! Spring’s finally here, and summer won’t be too far behind it. That means a lot more sun exposure for all of us, but also a lot more risk of the many complications that the sun can cause for our skin.
Sure, you know to protect your skin from UV rays, but are you sure that you’re doing it in the best possible way? Below, we’re going to make sure you take care of your skin in the hotter months ahead and make sure that you’re taking the sun as seriously as you should be!
Get Ready For The Sun With These Skin-Loving Tips
Use A Sunscreen With UVA & UVB Protection
We all know sunscreen is a must when you’re spending time outside, but not just any SPF will work. Your skin tone, skin type, and how easily you burn all play a part in how much protection you need.
When choosing sunscreen, make sure it says broad-spectrum on the label. That means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause signs of aging and long-term skin damage, while UVB rays are the ones that lead to sunburn. Both can do a number on your skin, so you want protection from both, not just one!
If you are not sure which SPF to use, it is a good idea to go with a higher one, like SPF 70, especially if you are going to be outside for a while. Just keep in mind that sunscreen is not a one-and-done kind of thing. You need to apply enough of it, put it on before heading outside, and reapply it every two hours. If you are swimming, sweating, or wiping your face a lot, you will need to reapply it even sooner.
And don’t stop at sunscreen. Good UV protection also means wearing sunglasses, a sun hat, and covering up with lightweight clothing when you can. If the sun is extra intense, try to stick to shady spots during the hottest part of the day. A little effort now can save your skin from a whole lot of regret later on, trust me… sigh.…
Make Sure To Apply Sunscreen The Right Way
Okay, so you have a good sunscreen that’s at SPF 30 or higher, good job!. But, aside from choosing the right sunscreen, you also need to make sure you’re wearing it the right way. For one, apply it as early if you can, even if you’re not going outdoors.
On a very sunny day, the sunlight that filters through the home can still do a little damage to your skin. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you head out, and as stated above, make sure to reapply it every two hours to make sure you get the protection you need.
Whatever skin you have exposed, be sure to apply it. It’s better to be liberal with the sunscreen than to use too little and end up burning your skin.
Remember These Other Sun Blocking Products!
Even if you cake yourself in a layer of sunscreen that’s five inches deep, there is still going to be some portion of UV rays that can penetrate that coverage. Other skincare products that provide some SPF protection are a good idea to use, along with your sunscreen.
Some other products with sunscreen in them are high-SPV lip balms that can protect your lips and make sure they don’t get burned. Also, like I said above, wear sun blocking clothes, like a wide-brimmed sun hat, wrap-around sunglasses that have the signature mark of UV protection on them, and a long-sleeved sun shirt.
Hydrate Your Skin…A LOT!!!
The sun can damage your skin and dry it out like leather! There are several signs your skin is dehydrated and that you need to do something about it right now!
It might be itchy and flaking off, for instance. It can also feel more sensitive, meaning that any irritants such as dust and bacteria are more likely to cause it to break out into irritation and itchiness.
Also, dehydration makes you a lot more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. You can test this by pinching the skin on your arm and seeing if fine lines disappear quickly or if they hang around for a while. If it does, you need to be drinking way more water!
Dark Spots Are Appearing! What Should I Do???
If you notice new marks on your skin during the summer, try not to panic. I know skin cancer is always something to take very, very seriously (and have checked by a dermatologist), most dark spots are caused by hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation happens when your skin produces excess pigment in one area. This usually happens after being in the sun too much. Protecting your skin with sunscreen and limiting direct sun light can help prevent more dark spots from popping up.
To help fade existing dark spots, you can use products designed to even out skin tone, such as Clarins even skin tone products made for any and all dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Another option is to use a chemical face and/or body peel before summertime. Many people choose to do peels before summer and during the fall and winter months, when sun exposure is usually lower. I like to use Platinum Skincare peels and skincare products for this as they work so well at targeting any dark spots I have and illuminating them.
There are also treatments like laser procedures that might help improve any skin discoloration by removing damaged outer layers of skin and revealing fresher, more even-looking skin underneath (works the same way chemical peels do and you can do it at home which is what I prefer!).
Beware Of Breakouts
A lot of people say that sunlight actually helps in the fight against acne. I remember when I used to tan in a tanning bed or outdoors on my trampoline, I always had clear, pretty skin. And, in the winter time, I notice I would break out a lot more! It is from the lack of vitamin D from sunlight that can be a cause of acne and more breakouts.
So, it is true that the sun can temporarily dry out the skin, which reduces the production of the oils that clog your pores, which then leads to acne and make your skin appear healthier and clearer.
However, this dryness can become a really big problem when it turns into dehydration and severely dry skin. As mentioned above, dehydration is a big problem when it comes to the sun and your skin!
Use a sugar scrub on your body and on your face, neck, and chest area to help clear your pores and exfoliate all the dead skin from your whole body. Then, apply your lotions and body serum/oils when your skin is still a bit damp after your bath or shower.
You will get better hydration in your skin leaving it so much softer and healthier feeling and looking. Also, use cool water to wash, rather than hot, to avoid overheating your skin and drying it out further!
In place of using the sunlight, you can use an LED light therapy mask daily on your face. You can also use a red light therapy panel on your chest and body too! I have a light therapy face mask and panel and I use them both all the time! They work so well and now I do not break out as much either.
They also help with dark spots, fine lines/wrinkles, anti aging and deep muscle soreness!!! SO many benefits! So I highly recommend investing in these two light therapy products!
Blotchiness Can Happen Too!
When it’s sunny, sunlight isn’t the only problem. Heat can be a real issue too, especially if you’re a hot sleeper and double especially if you have sensitive skin. The heat can cause your skin’s temperature to increase.
As this happens, your skin can then become red, blotchy, and it can even look like a break out of acne, when it is not. You can solve this issue sometimes by just keeping your skin hydrated and cool.
Cooling gel masks can help so much with blotchy skin. But, make sure you pay attention to their ingredients and make sure they don’t have dehydrating ingredients like parabens or perfume in them.
Don’t underestimate the impact that too much exposure to sunlight can have on your skin. Be sure to follow the tips above and be protected when you go outdoors. If you want to tan, make sure you’re doing it safely. I hope these skin-loving tips helped you!
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