Summer Skincare Tips

Summer means sun, shorts, sandals, bathing suits, and bronzed skin. But with beach hair and shorter hemlines comes the dangers that not only instigate the probability of skin cancer, but the aging process as well. Sun exposure is, essentially, subjecting you to sun damage but in the same note, avoiding the outdoors altogether is both impractical and nearly impossible. Thus, taking preventative measures in preparing and caring for it are crucial in keeping your skin in tip-top condition for the ultimate skin-baring season.
Understanding the Dangers of Overexposure

Sun exposure isn’t necessarily bad. It is a key source of Vitamin D. As with all good things, however, keep exposure in moderation. The ideal maximum is 15 minutes before 10 a.m. or after 2 pm. anything over is considered overexposure, and any exposure during midday when the sun is at its harshest should be limited (if not altogether avoided). Sun rays at this time of day are 10% UVB and 90% UVA: a combination that can cause melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

HERE ARE SOME SUMMER SKIN TIPS FOR YOU

• Exfoliate for clearer, smoother skin

Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers. Perform in the mornings prior to toner, moisturizer, SPF and make-up application. Make-up will last longer on an exfoliated skin. After you exfoliate, follow with a hydrating body cream to seal in moisture, and always shield freshly exfoliated skin with an SPF (as recommended by the FDA).

·        Keep skin hydrated

Increase your regimes level of hydration with intensive masques, perfect for use one to two times a week. Boosters are a great fit, working best when layered underneath a moisturizer. Toners are refreshing moisturizer prep, working to even out skin porosity. Refresh with a revitalizing toner spritz at your desk, in the car, at the gym, on the plane. You can use NAYELLE’S Moisturizer and masks which are all organic and contains TREMELLA MUSHROOM that incredibly locks in hydration in our skin.

Make friends with H20

Higher temperatures and more time outdoors leads to internal dehydration, which can result in headaches and dizziness. 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 must triple the amount of water you drink.

·        Apply and re-apply sunscreen

It’s not enough to just apply sunscreen. You must apply enough, and apply frequently.  Studies indicate that most people do not apply nearly as much daylight protection as they should. A teaspoon for the face. For the body, about as much as would fill a shot glass. Re-apply every two hours. Stay out of the midday sun from mid-morning to late afternoon whenever you can. Today’s sophisticated formulas and technology let you select sun protection that works with your skin condition. That means you can choose oil-free, mattifying formulas, extra emollient formulas for dry skin, or chemical free formulas for sensitized, reactive skin.

·        Soothe over-exposed skin

You forgot the sunscreen, didn’t apply enough, or got caught in a sunny spell. Unfortunately, the damage is done, but you don’t have to suffer in pain. Super-soothing botanicals and cooling gels can help prevent peeling and reduce redness and inflammation. Apply cooling balms generously over-exposed skin, preferably at the first sight of a pink glow. One blistering sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma, remember to get a yearly skin exam by a doctor and perform a self examination once a month to detect early warning signs of carcinomas and malignant melanoma. Look for a new growth or any skin change.

·        Repair and treat sun damage

UV light causes photo aging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, whether you have burned your skin or not. When sunlight comes in contact with skin a cascade of damage results (including the stripping of barrier lipids) causing inflammation, production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth, and stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes. A tan may be a popular summer look, but it indicates damage. Bombard your skin with age-fighting ingredients to help undo any damage that may occur, and to further protect it from the aging effects of UV.

• Don’t skimp on eye creams and lip protection

Sun exposure will gradually thin skin and cause wrinkles. Protect the delicate areas of your face with appropriate creams and balms. Continue to use an eye cream, but if your usual cream feels too heavy for summer, replace your current product with a lighter formulation or use only at night. Apply and liberally re-apply a lip balm with SPF,

“The sun’s rays are drying on the delicate lip tissue,” Henriksen says. To keep your lips luscious like Penelope Cruz, start with a richly textured lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher and reapply regularly when outdoors.

• Cool Off

“Keep a face mist in your ice chest so you can mist your face and body while on the beach,” cosmetician Ole Henriksen, who works with Charlize Theron and Renee Zellweger, suggests. ”

• Spritz your scalp

Long locks offer some shade from the sun, but the sensitive skin along your hairline and part still get bombarded with harmful UVA and UVB rays. “Use a sunscreen spray along your part. It’s harder for creams to be absorbed there, and you can still burn,”

• Take a cold shower

Hot showers after sun exposure further dry skin-turn down the temperature and you’ll pick up a few added benefits. “A cool shower after excess sweating helps keep the skin unclogged, decreasing acne breakouts,” Dr. Sadick says.

• Treat Sun Spots

Dark splotches on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip (also known as melasma) make their peak appearance in summer.

• Increase antioxidant intake

We won’t waste your time extolling the virtues of antioxidants. Instead, we’ll keep it simple. Antioxidants are key in the summer, and there are tons of ways to work them into your routine.

• Find a lighter formula

“A lot of sunscreen is heavy and oily,” Somerville notes, adding these can contribute to breakouts and shine during the summer months. “If you can’t find something you like, keep trying!” she laughs.

• Eat healthy

“There’s some evidence that oral intake of vitamins C and E together can limit potential for sunburn,” Dr. Giles notes. A salad with vitamin C rich citrus, berries, tomato, and vitamin E rich nuts is an ideal SPF meal.