The sun is probably one of the best things about planet Earth. Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who lives in a warmer environment, we wait all year for the sunniest, warmest summer months. When the sun finally emerges in the spring, we often feel like new people, refreshed with a sense of excitement after the long winter months.
However, the sun is not all fun and games. Sunshine has a lot of benefits for our skin and our mental health, but it is also very powerful in other ways — our skin needs to be protected from potential damage by the sun.
Pre-Sunshine: Preventative Measures
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
You’ll need to increase your water intake in the summer to stay hydrated. When it gets hot or you are more active, you can become dehydrated more easily. Hydration truly works wonders for your skin, and for your overall health. Always start the day with some water and keep hydrated throughout the day!
Be prepared
You may be under the impression that you don’t need to worry about sunburn until it’s officially summer — a.k.a when June hits, school is out, and we’re really in the thick of the summer heat. However, it’s important to prepare your skin as early as possible because the springtime sunburn could sneak up on you.
Choose a safe sunscreen
Recurrent sunburns can increase one’s risk of skin cancer, so you’ll want to use a sunscreen that is going to protect you from painful sunburn and other risks. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer, yet most sunscreens only protect from UVB rays that cause sunburn.
To protect yourself from all risks, you’ll want to find a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that protects from all UV rays. Make sure it is at least SPF 15, too! Mineral sunscreen is widely recommended over common chemical sunscreens. There are also certain ingredients you should try to avoid when purchasing sunscreen, including Vitamin A, Oxybenzone, and OMC.
Protective measures while outdoors
Although you’re probably really looking forward to spending full days in the sun this summer, it’s important to protect yourself during your sunshine time, just as much as before and after. Here are a few ways you can protect your skin while still enjoying your day:
- Take breaks in the shade
- Bring along protective items, such as hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas
- Avoid midday sun if you can (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
SPF all year round
To decrease your risk of skin cancer and sunburn, consider wearing sunscreen and using SPF products all year round. It may come as a surprise that UV rays can still reach our skin through clouds and windows, even in the winter — but it’s true!
To protect yourself over time, start applying sunscreen daily, or at least as you remember. It will make all the difference come summertime!
Plus, there are tons of moisturizers and makeup products out there that are made with SPF. Dermatologists recommend adding foundation, lip gloss, chapstick, or eye cream with SPF to your everyday makeup look or skincare routine. It’s such a simple step, but it will go a long way. Eventually SPF will be so ingrained in your routine that you won’t even have to think about it!
Post-Sunshine: Aftercare
Caring for your skin after the fact is just as important as protecting yourself while in the sun. Not only are you reviving your skin after long days in the sun, but you’re taking preventative steps for next time!
Keep hydrating!
Stay hydrated after a day in the sun! We know how vital it is to our skin and general well being. Make sure to drink water consistently and take a cool shower. It feels good and hydrates your skin.
Exfoliate
You know that amazing feeling after a long, relaxing beach or pool day when it’s time to head home and shower? Well, you have even more reason to get excited about that feeling! Taking a cool shower after sun exposure is both hydrating and relaxing.
Using a skin exfoliator in the shower will have major benefits for your sun-kissed skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Gentle skin exfoliators for your face and body are essential for after-sun care and for dry skin in general.
Moisturize
Always moisturize after your post-sun shower, specifically using an after-sun lotion. Many brands out there carry effective after-sun lotions and lotions for dry skin that will leave your skin feeling soothed and refreshed.
You may not know that sun damage is a huge factor in aging. In fact, nearly 80% of visible facial aging is the result of sun exposure. The good news is, you can totally prevent this! There are so many effective SPF products out there that prevent sun damage, moisturize your skin, and prevent signs of aging.
What to Do About Sunburn
If you’re sunburned, you’ll still want to exfoliate and moisturize, and maybe apply some aloe vera as well. It’s extremely cooling, moisturizing, and hydrating, as it’s made of mostly water — everything you need for after-sun care!
Now that you know how to protect your skin while still enjoying the sunshine, it’s time to actually get out there and enjoy it. Don’t forget your sunscreen and your water bottle!