Summer not only means hitting the beach and taking out of town trips, but it also means more exposure to skin damage. So before having your ultimate summer escapade, make sure that you skin is well protected from the harsh conditions that high temperatures and intense UV may bring.
Below are some tips you have to remember to keep your skin looking like your best accessory this summer.
1. Keep your skin moisturized
Seventy percent of our body is made of water.
Because of the high temperature, intense UV radiation and humidity during summer, the body may shed off insignificant amounts of water, arising to problems such as dehydration, which causes the skin to look dry and feel rough. In worse cases, peeling, redness and cracking may occur.
According to the International Dermal Institute, when skin is dehydrated, "it creates more oil to make up for the missing water. This can cause breakouts, irritation and dry patches."
Just like the rest of your body, the upper layers of your skin need their daily supply of water to retain plumpness and smoothness.
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost line is designed to help increase the water content of your skin by replenishing its water supply and by strengthening the skin's moisture barrier. This combination gives women that much-coveted smooth, supple and younger-looking skin.
2. Protection from the Sun
While giving your skin its much needed supply of water is a must, hydration is not enough. The skin should also be protected from the harmful rays of the sun which cause sunburns and itchiness. More than that, a lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and may increase the chances of other skin problems. You can combat these skin-ageing problems just by kicking off the habit of putting on sunscreen daily.
According to an article published in Today.com, there were 3.6 cases of skin cancer in 2015 and 90 percent of it is due to sun exposure. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to block UV rays.
Consumer Reports Magazine suggests La Roche-Pose Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk, Vichy Capital Soleil 50, Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 and Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50.
3. Drink plenty of water
While drugstore products promise skin wellness, nothing beats protection from within. As your body loses water, you need to replenish accordingly. For summer, an extra liter is recommended daily.
4. Indulge in olive oil
Olive oil, according to Beauty and Tips magazine is rich with fatty acids and antioxidants that will help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. "By massaging some olive oil into your skin, before you shower or bath, it will help stop the warm water and soap drying your skin out," the magazine writes.
5. Avoid harsh soap
We all know how much fragrant soaps attract us whenever shopping for our bath essentials. But the truth is using scented soaps strip off the natural oil on your skin, contributing to the dehydration of your skin. Direct Dermatology recommends switching to mild unscented soap such as Dove or Olay.
6. Eat the right food
Read and Digest reported that food with high sodium content naturally draws water from the body, therefore opt for healthier choices such as food that are rich in potassium and fiber - bananas, pineapples, sweet potatoes, coconut water and mangoes.