It’s summer time. The time, when your skin needs attention. A time when scorching sun can tamper the glow of a beautiful skin. To take care of your skin properly you need to get up to speed on the basics. First of all, be aware that your skin is your body’s first line of defense. Consider all that your skin is exposed to, including environmental pollution, light radiation from the sun, and even wind. These factors have a definite negative impact upon the health and integrity of your skin.
Ultraviolet rays are the culprits when it comes to photo damage of our skin. There are two types of UV rays that penetrate the earth’s atmosphere: UVA and UVB.
UVAs are the longest wavelength rays. They cause damage to your skin at a very deep level. UVAs are the bad guys when it comes to premature aging of skin. UVA rays actually destroy collagen, which gives your skin elasticity. They also cause the formation of free radicals, which bombard your skin cells at the most delicate layer, where new cells are being formed, and are a primary contributor to the development of skin cancer.
UVBs are shorter wavelength rays. You can think of these as the rays responsible for sunburns(B is for burn). Incidentally, once skin has been sunburned it will be more prone to skin cancer.
Here are a few tips that’ll keep your skin at its best throughout! .
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater.
Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. If it’s waterproof, apply one hour before sun exposure.
Wear a cap and sunglasses, to protect your scalp and eyes.
Go easy on the make up. Heavy make-up will only attract more dirt and grime! Just go easy on foundations and make-up creams. Wash your face with a gentle face wash at least twice a day. Splash on cold water as often as you can. It cleans and hydrates your skin and closes pores that have opened up thanks to the heat. Reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours—more often if you’ve been perspiring or swimming.
Wear natural cotton clothes: they have a higher SPF value than synthetic summer blouses and clothing.
Be in the shade whenever possible.
Limit your time in the sun.
Do not neglect your hands and feet. Pamper them by soaking them in cool water. And also wash them at least twice in a day. Follow your daily skin care routine. - Cleanse, tone and moisturize. Toner is especially important in summer because of its multiple action. It removes deep-seated dirt, closes pores and keeps oil produced by the skin at bay.
If your job demands being in the sun
Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids evaporate more quickly from your body when skin has been overexposed.
Apply cool water compresses to burned areas. Try compresses made up of diluted milk or white vinegar. Fresh aloe gel is also great for burns.
Take a cool bath. Add 1 cup of baking soda or white vinegar to your bath.
Do not use products that include’caine’ in the label as they may either cause an allergic reaction or prevent the effectiveness of a’caine’ product in an emergency situation.
Eat foods high in vitamin C. Increase your intake of antioxidant supplements.
Hope this helps!