Summer is here!
Those long warm days are finally upon us! This also means the harsh sun is beaming down on your skin! Make sure to protect yourself at the pool, the beach, and even during your day-to-day activities. Here are a few suggestions that can help you keep your skin healthy and glowing throughout the summer months.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, and more Sunscreen!
About a teaspoon is needed for the face and a shot glass for the body to give a good amount of coverage. This needs to be applied and reapplied every two hours. Most people think they only need to protect themselves if they are going to be out in the sun – WRONG – even running errands can lead to too much sun exposure!
Keep your skin exfoliated and hydrated!
Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells, cleans your pores, and helps your skin care products penetrate the skin deeper. Hydrating your skin to keep the skin barrier protected. I recommend applying a moisturizing mask two or three a week.
Make friends with H20!
More time spent outside in the heat leads to dehydration, which can result in headaches and dizzy spells. Eight glasses of water day can help maintain moisture balance in the body and skin. Also, seasonal summer foods like: watermelons, leafy greens, and berries have higher concentration of water to help you stay hydrated.
Protect your feet
Use a foot scrub and a file in the shower once or twice per week. Make sure to use sunscreen on the top of your feet too!
Pay attention to your lips
Avoid menthol and camphor based lip treatments. Instead, use ingredients like Shea butter balm and make sure there is sun protection with a high enough SPF. Avoid applying lip gloss as it actually attracts the sun, while balms tend to hydrate. Remember when in doubt, reapply!!!
See your dermatologist
I always find more skin cancers on my patients’ skin after summer. Self skin exams and professional skin exams done by your dermatologist save lives. Learn what to look for on your own skin and schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Get your diet back on track
What you eat matters to the appearance and health of your skin. Brush up on the facts, and then tweak your diet accordingly. Don’t expect that taking a supplement will give you a “dietary bypass;” there’s no substitution for getting the vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that you need for optimal skin health by eating a diet composed of whole foods, fruits, and veggies.
During the summer month your routines needs to change to keep your skin healthy and glowing. These tips should help.