Summer is nearly here and most families will be headed out doors to begin all sorts of outdoor activities. Summer can be one of the roughest times of the year on the skin and steps should be taken to protect its health. Exposure to the sun can lead to skin damage as well as skin cancer but there are also other problems that can arise. No matter what type of outdoor activity you are engaged in, even lying by the pool, you are likely to sweat more. This can mean that the skin has more dirt, oils and even environmental chemicals will be trapped in your pores. This is certainly the time of year when we need to be much more conscious of our skin health and take measures to protect it from damage. Here are a few tips to help maintain skin health this summer.
Sun Protection
One of the most important summer skin care tips is to use sunscreen to protect the skin from damaging UVA and UVB radiation. When it is possible, staying indoors when the sun’s rays are the strongest can be beneficial in protecting the skin. In most regions this is from 11 am to about 3 pm. When you do go outside for any amount of time it is important to wear sunscreen to protect the skin. There are many chemical free sun screens available which offer protection from the damaging rays of the sun. Remember to reapply it every couple of hours or according to the product’s label.
Stay Hydrated
The body can be seriously affected by not drinking enough liquids, especially in the summer months. The skin depends on your intake of liquids to stay moisturized properly. However, drinking carbonated liquids can contain a lot of sugar that is not good for maintaining healthy skin. Water, fresh juices, and coconut water are healthy ways to stay hydrated. Also remember that caffeine, which is contained in many soft drinks, can dehydrate your skin as can alcohol.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Summer is not the time of year to throw a healthy diet out the window. Although it is imperative to your overall health to eat a healthful diet all year long, in the summer months your body will likely need more protein. To help your complexion stay healthy looking eat plenty of foods which are rich in antioxidants. Foods such as blueberries, melons and leafy green vegetables are all high in antioxidants. Egg whites and salmon can provide excellent sources of protein which can help keep the skin nourished and is also beneficial for repairing damage.
Exfoliate!
In the summer it is especially important for you to exfoliate your skin. This process will help remove any dead skin as well as improve the circulation of blood to the facial area. There are many different types of dermatology products that are intended to be excellent exfoliants. Many choose to use cosmetic scrubs that can be purchased in any pharmaceutical store and others prefer to make their own at home using all natural ingredients. Even though we all love a nice relaxing day at the beach, the elements can wreak havoc on the skin. Use an exfoliating product for the facial area and then use an exfoliating body wash at least a few times a week for the best results.
Sun Sensitivity
Many people are super sensitive to the sun naturally; others can have an adverse reaction to the heat of the sun if they are taking certain prescription medicines. Make sure to check the label of any medications you are taking to ensure that they do not have any adverse reactions to sun exposure. Some types of medicines can cause you to sunburn very easily. If you are pregnant, are taking prescription medications or have a chronic health condition talk to your NJ physician about harmful effects the sun or heat can have on your skin and how you can protect yourself.
