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After a long winter hibernating, when summer hits, it’s time to take off the layers and play in the sun. With the summer sun’s scorching heat, though, it’s important to protect your skin.
You can still pick out this year’s most stylin’ swimsuit and head to the beach, with these tips on keeping your skin safe this summer.
Not all sunscreen is equal
While it’s important to wear sunscreen to protect from sun damage, it’s also important to pick sunscreen wisely. While some sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, others use harsh chemicals that can damage the skin. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen that is 30 SPF or higher, says “broad spectrum” and protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Pay attention to the time
Ultraviolet rays of sunlight are a way Mother Nature provides Vitamin D but also cause wrinkles, sunburn and skin cancer. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight in the middle of the day, from about 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., stick to shade, and protect skin with clothing.
Make applying sunscreen second nature
Grab a daily moisturizer that has SPF, and put it on during your morning bathroom routine. A common myth for women is that SPF in makeup will be enough, but the SPF used in makeup is different than the SPF in sunscreen.
Check your pills
Some prescription medicine makes skin ultra-sensitive to the sun, so check labels on your bottles before spending a day out.
Don’t forget these spots
It’s easy to think that slathering your face, neck and hands is enough. That's not quite true. Commonly missed spots are behind the ears, the back of the neck and the lips.
Check the expiration date
How long the sunscreen has been in the cabinet, matters. If there is sunscreen that hasn't been used since last summer, look at the expiration date. Many sunscreens that protect against UVA light will break down quickly so chances are, if it’s been around for over a year, it could be expired.
Drink lots of water
This keeps you hydrated, but it's also important that, when it’s hot and you sweat, your skin needs help, too. When you drink more water, your skin gets the moisture it needs to rejuvenate itself.
Pro Tip: Carry around a water bottle all day and refill as necessary. Don’t wait until getting home or to a restaurant to hydrate.
It’s a perfect time to exercise
The great thing about the summer months is there is no shortage of activities to do outside. If possible, add as much exercise onto the summer bucket list as possible. Exercise helps with blood flow and, when blood is flowing, it allows more nutrients to be delivered to the surface of the skin.
Aging happens
If the summer sun has started to add unwelcome damage, such as crow's feet or sun spots, consider fighting the onslaught with the help of Alpine Plastic Surgery.
