Summer is here and everyone is itching to go on vacation or simply just lie by the beach and read a good book. This is the perfect season to go outdoors and do what you love to do!
In order to maximize the enjoyment, it is also important to remember that sun rays can be pretty damaging to your skin, including your hair. Too much sun may cause premature aging, dry skin, wrinkles and much more! Check out the following tips on how to protect yourself from the heat, and maintain healthy skin while enjoying the summer season.
Tips to Protect The Skin From The Sun
Double Cleansing
This is the latest facial cleansing method, which really means cleansing your face twice. The first oil-based cleanser will help remove accumulated salt, sweat, makeup and sunscreen on your face and the second cleanser will remove remaining oil or dirt.
There is no need to break the bank with those expensive facial oil cleansers because you can actually make your own cleanser using Jojoba oil and Avocado Oil Cleanser.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz organic jojoba oil
- ½ oz organic avocado oil
- 2/3 oz organic safflower oil
- 1/3 oz organic castor oil
- 3 drops Vitamin E
- 2-3 drops essential oil
Procedure/Application:
- Combine all ingredients and shake.
- Squeeze a small amount on your finger or brush then massage onto damp face to remove dirt.
- After using first oil cleanser, apply the second cleanser of your preference for final cleansing.
Exfoliate then Moisturize
For that smooth bikini ready skin, make it a habit to exfoliate at least once a week using your preferred natural body scrub then a layer of all natural aloe gel and body cream to moisturize.
Facial Mask
A face mask helps in hydration, removal of dirt and improving skin appearance. Try making your own face mask using egg white (from one egg) and a touch of lemon juice. Beat the egg white with the lemon juice until stiff then apply on the face leaving it on for 20 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
Cut down on hair shampooing
Frequent hair shampooing can usually make your hair straw-dry and your scalp itchy. However, an oily hair and scalp might need more shampooing because of the dirt that can easily adhere. You may use a gentle sulphate free shampoo and rinse with warm water to lift the grease easily without stripping the hair and scalp off moisture.
Sunscreen
Wearing a sunscreen might be a normal thing for you especially during summer. However, it is good to understand some factors so that you can make an informed decision on what type of products to use and the length of time you need to be under the sun. The term SPF for example means, “sun protection factor”. A product with SPF 15 label will allow you to stay under the sun for 150 minutes. If you have oily skin, it is better to use an SPF not more than 20 for risk of chemical overload.
Determine your skin type and assess for any skin breakouts and other signs of allergies. Take your time in checking out the labels when you shop for the best sunscreen that would work for you.
Mist or cold shower
It is always a good idea to have an ice chest around where you can keep your homemade face mist. There are also available facial mist products that you can buy from the store. Some of these facial mists are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that provide maximum benefit to the skin aside from hydration. A cold shower is also a refreshing way to cool down from the heat.
Eat your fruits and vegetables
Load up fresh salads with citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes and Vitamin E nuts. Antioxidant rich foods like this help reduce sunburn potential and help boost your immune system. For a smooth glowing skin this summer season, eat a lot of colourful fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids.
Antioxidants
Supplementation with natural herbal antioxidants is always a great way to avoid deficiency especially when you are out having fun and have limited time to prepare healthy dishes.
Water
Drink a lot of water in between meals and especially when you are out in the sun. Avoid the effects of dehydration like dry skin, sluggish complexion, and frown lines.
Dump the Obsession with Tanning
It feels good when you are in a skimpy bikini and rocking tanned skin. However, make sure that this “great feeling” will outweigh the risk. Going to great lengths to protect oneself from the sun’s harmful rays will only defeat the purpose if suddenly you decide to expose yourself to the sun for that sought after sun-kissed skin. Be wary with those products for fake tans because of the chemicals in them that may cause ill effects, not only to your skin but to your general health as well.
Red wine
A glass (or two!) of red wine is great this summer. Red grapes contain resveratrol, a phenolic antioxidant that helps decrease redness from sunburns with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Stay away from outdoors between 10 am to 3 pm
Avoid being under the sun for longer periods during this time range which is said to be the hottest times of the day. It is better to do the outdoor activities earlier or later when it is cooler outside.
Rinse after swimming
It is essential to rinse yourself after swimming especially from heavy chlorinated pools to avoid drying up your skin.
Don’t perfume under the sun
Some perfumes contain chemicals that can actually stain your skin (permanently!) and may also cause some allergic reaction with heat. It is advised to spray perfume on the clothes and not on the skin especially during summer.
Wear a Big Hat
This is the perfect time to show off those nice looking wide-brimmed hats that you may want to pair with your glasses and swimsuit. For those who are not fashion frenzy, any wide brimmed large hat will do for the maximum protection it could give you from the sun’s rays.
Make it a habit of shielding yourself from too much sun exposure not only during summertime. Keep yourself hydrated and load up on antioxidants to keep you in top shape when you go out and do your outdoor activities.
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References:
InStyle.com. (2016). The 25 Best Summer Skin Tips Ever. [online] Available at: http://www.instyle.com/beauty/25-best-summer-skin-tips-ever#257194 [Accessed 27 Apr. 2016].
Wise Bread. (2015). 18 Beauty Tips and Hacks for Summer. [online] Available at: http://www.wisebread.com/18-beauty-tips-and-hacks-for-summer [Accessed 27 Apr. 2016].
wikiHow. (2016). How to Look After Your Skin in Summer. [online] Available at: http://www.wikihow.com/Look-After-Your-Skin-in-Summer [Accessed 27 Apr. 2016].
Byrdie. (2016). This Simple DIY Will Replace Your Expensive Oil Cleanser. [online] Available at: http://www.byrdie.com/diy-oil-cleanser [Accessed 27 Apr. 2016].
Pinto, R. (2016). Beauty Tips: 20 Best Homemade Face Packs for Summer. [online] indiatimes.com. Available at: http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/beauty-tips-20-best-homemade-face-packs-for-summer-236248-11.html [Accessed 27 Apr. 2016].