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This is undoubtedly the time of year when we tend to spend a great deal more time outside, and as a result we often inadvertently overwork and under-protect our bodies and skin. Here are a few things that I have been trying to do to take better care of my skin this time of year:
1) Avoid overexposure to the sun. A couple of years ago I was overexposed to the sun while out running errands on one of the
hottest days of the year in Los Angeles, and the effects were frightening and potentially devastating. I was outside for long stretches of time (I was exposed to the baking sun and hot asphalt), and the weather was so extreme that I ended up with a case of serious dehydration– it was unlike anything that I had ever experienced, and thankfully I didn't end up with heat stroke. Be mindful of the heat and your exposure time, and the very young, the elderly, people with mitigating health issues and pets should also be carefully monitored since the effects of overexposure to the sun can be particularly devastating to them.
2) Drink plenty of water. I know that this is painfully obvious, but it is something that I often don't do nearly enough of– particularly when I am on the go during the warmer months. Carrying around a good quality water bottle definitely helps remind you to drink water, and for me I either carry my 25 oz.
S'well Water Bottle (Reviewed
HERE),
Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (Reviewed
HERE) or my 16 oz.
bkr Water Bottle (Reviewed
HERE).
3) Be diligent in your use of a high SPF sunscreen (at least an SPF 30- though I use between an SPF 30-SPF 50 most of the time). The key is to remember to reapply sunscreen frequently. I often find myself applying my sunscreen in the morning and then forgetting to do so again throughout the day. That first and only application offers us a false sense of sun protection, but it does not last from morning until night. I have forced myself to carry sunscreen with me to reapply it, but of course this means that I need to reapply some foundation, tinted moisturizer, blush, or whatever I am wearing on my face that day.
While this isn't terribly convenient it is necessary, and definitely worth the trouble. It should be applied to all exposed areas, and remember that the harmful rays also penetrate your clothing. Vulnerable areas like the ears, back of the neck, the drivers side of your face and body, the back of the hands, and feet are most often neglected. My all-time favorite sunscreen for my face, neck and décolleté is:
TATCHA SILKEN Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 (Reviewed
HERE).
4) Wear a wide brim hat. I try to do this when I am sitting outside reading, gardening, going for walks or hiking.
5) Exfoliate Skin once a week to remove dead skin and to ensure that your skincare is penetrating deeply enough. Of course this should be avoided if you have sunburned skin, but if your skin isn't traumatized by the elements and can handle a
gentle exfoliation then this will go a long way to allowing your products to penetrate more deeply. If you see any suspicious looking moles that have been changing shape and size- then avoid this step and go to your doctor to have it looked at. I can't underscore the importance of this enough- it is very easy for them to identify precancerous and cancerous lesions that you want to deal with immediately. I have had numerous suspicious looking things removed that could
eventually become skin cancer.
6) Consider adding in an anti-aging face serum to help fight free radicals. Even if you are young and aren't seeing fine lines pop up yet, the benefits of antioxidant-rich anti-aging serums do wonders for their ability to scavenge free radicals.
7) Add a nourishing face oil into your rotation. They penetrate the skin more deeply and moisturize the skin. They also give the skin a beautiful healthy glow. They can also be used in lieu of heavier skin creams when you want something lighter and faster absorbing. Fear not, they are made for all types of skin from oily to dry and everything in between.
8) Consider adding Hyaluronic-based lotions or gels into your product rotation because it helps to raise, and maintain, the moisture level of the skin.
9) If you have a beloved medium to full coverage foundation that is a perfect match for you, but is too heavy for the season, then blend a small amount with your favorite facial lotion or cream, and you will have the perfect tinted moisturizer. Add a touch of primer and sunscreen, and then you have a BB Cream. When I do this I use the back of my hand to mix it- it's a fast and convenient method. I would still highly recommend using a separate sunscreen to make sure that you have sufficient coverage. Again, you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (approximately every 60-80 minutes).
10) Use a good moisture mask at least once a week, or as needed.
11) Don't forget about your lips! Apply a moisturizing lip balm with an SPF underneath your lip gloss or lipstick to keep them protected. Reapplication throughout the day is the key to remaining protected.
12) Don't forget your hair! Not only
can the sun wreak havoc on hair, but the scalp is also subject to sunburn as well. Use a deep conditioner on a weekly basis to keep your hair in good shape, and consider a good spray on SPF that is formulated for the hair.
13) A good pair of sunglasses won't just protect your eyes, but will also protect the vulnerable under eye area. Repeated sun exposure will cause sun damage to that vulnerable area and subject your skin to skin cancer and premature aging.
What are your favorite tips to get your skin through the summer months?
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