Summertime Tips to Keep the Sun From Wreaking Havoc on Your Skin
Decades ago, it was fashionable to lay out in the sun for hours soaking in the rays and tanning till you were golden brown. But we’ve learned a lot since then about the dangers of overexposure to the sun and even the artificial rays from tanning beds.
If you suspect you’ve done some damage to your skin over the years or want to make sure you don’t cause damage, the team at Purple Lotus Aesthetics knows exactly how to guide you and treat you, and we also offer a wide variety of skin care products. When it comes to looking and feeling your best inside and out, we provide a caring, comfortable atmosphere to seek all the advice and treatments you need.
One of our greatest concerns for our patients this summer is proper skin care. Here are a few of the ways you can keep the summer sun from wreaking havoc on your skin.
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
It’s worth repeating because using sunscreen is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your skin, shy of staying out of the sun altogether.
But don’t just grab any sunscreen off the shelf. It’s important to read the label and know what’s inside, because sunscreens aren’t all the same. What you’re looking for is the wording “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum.” This ensures protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
The most obvious difference on the labeling is the sun-protection factor, or SPF. This is the number that lets you know how much protection provided compared to no sunscreen at all. For instance, if your skin normally starts to turn red in five minutes without any sunscreen, and you slather on a lotion with an SPF of 30, that means you can count on 150 minutes of protection.
Our doctors recommend that you use an SPF of at least 30, but don’t waste your money on products that claim an SPF of 50 or more. It’s better to reapply at least every two hours, even if the packaging claims to be waterproof and sweatproof.
Drink up
The sun’s not the only thing that can cause skin problems this summer. Dehydration is another potential hazard. The more you sweat, the more fluid you lose, and you can become dehydrated more quickly than you’d suspect. And because your skin is the largest organ in your body, it needs lots of water to keep it fresh and functioning.
Tired of chugging glasses of water? Eat your water instead. Many foods contain high levels of water and do their fair share of hydrating your skin. Here are just a few of them:
Blueberries
Watermelon
Carrots
Pomegranates
Tomatoes
On the outside, your skin likes a drink now and then as well. A daily dose of a good lotion keeps your skin soft and supple. Get one with an SPF of 30 or more, and you can kill two birds with one stone.
Mind the time
At certain times of day, you’re at a higher risk for sun damage. If possible, avoid going out into direct sunlight between the hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are most intense.
When avoiding the sun isn’t practical and you have to venture out or even work in the sun, this is when you have to take every precaution to guard yourself. In addition to a good sunscreen, give yourself an extra layer of protection by wearing pants or a shirt with UVA and UVB protection in them. Wide-brimmed hats and umbrellas come in handy, too, as they allow you to bring shade wherever you go.
Sleep well
Throughout the day, your skin takes a beating doing it’s job of protecting your insides. Return the favor by getting a good night’s rest. Nighttime is when your skin regenerates and repairs itself.
It’s also the best time to give your skin a boost on that rejuvenation process by smoothing on some good skin care products. When environmental elements aren’t an issue and your stress level is down, your skin is in a perfect state to drink in the nutrients of calming creams and lotions.
Scrub the day away
As your skin continuously produces new cells, the old ones die off. But before they’re gone for good, they sit on the surface, making your skin appear dry, flaky, dull, and even old.
You can help the process along by exfoliating at least once or twice a week. Whether you choose a loofah or a topical scrub, a gentle buffing helps slough away those dead and dying cells, which brightens and refreshes your complexion.
If you follow these simple tips every time you go out into the sun, you can prevent the worst of the sun’s damaging effects. But if you already have sun damage that’s left you with dark spots wrinkles, our team can help you reverse the damage and bring back your youthful skin.
Call Purple Lotus Aesthetics today to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online.
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