The summer months come with outdoor barbecues, picnics, and vacations at the beach. Being out in the hot summer sun can be damaging to our skin. Most people do not realize that exposure to harsh environments (such as air conditioning, excessive heat, salt water, and chlorine) can dehydrate the skin. This can lead to dry skin that may itch and flake easily. Moreover, we must protect our skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays as it can negatively impact skin health and appearance by causing premature aging and wrinkles.
Here are some tips for healthy summer skin:
Hydrate skin from the inside-out. It is important to stay hydrated during the summer months to retain healthy skin and prevent it from becoming dry. We perspire more in the hot summer months and therefore rapidly lose water through the skin. It is important to replenish by drinking fluids regularly, especially when outdoors. Carry a water bottle with you and sip it throughout the day. Water is best as it helps to hydrate the skin. Try to avoid caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda), which can lead to dehydration and diminish the skin’s healthy appearance. Besides drinking fluids to stay hydrated, eating healthy and exercising regularly, consider adding an Omega-3 supplement, such as Krill or fish oil, to help nourish and protect the skin. Consuming more antioxidants through foods and supplements can help protect the skin and help prevent premature aging of the skin. For example, Vitamin C is an essential component to the production of collagen—the skin’s natural support structure. It helps maintain the structure of collagen and elastin, both of which are important for firmness and the elasticity of the skin. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays over time causes damage to the collagen structure in the skin, contributing to the formation of wrinkles. Beta-carotene is another antioxidant that can help protect skin cells from oxidation damage, while Vitamin E has antioxidant properties to help fight free radicals to protect and nourish the skin.
Sunscreen: Your skin’s best defense. Applying topical sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide daily before going out, is your skin’s best defense against damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause premature aging of the skin. Sunscreen is recommended all year long, however, applying sunscreen regularly during the summer months is critical– when sun exposure is frequent and UV rays are at their most severe.
Moisturize: The three-minute rule. Moisturizing is also an important step to keep skin hydrated, and one of the keys to locking in moisture is to apply a moisturizer within three minutes of showering or bathing – using a moisturizer with 15 percent or even 20 percent Shea Butter can give your skin the moisture boost it needs. Make moisturizing a routine every morning after showering to keep your skin soft and supple.
Make it the best summer ever and enjoy!
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