How to Protect Your Skin From the UV Rays of Summer

If you follow my blog, you may remember my previous articles on skincare and with summer arriving I think now is a good time to remind everyone of the importance of protecting our skin from over exposure to the sun. Therefore, before hitting the beach or spending long days at the pool, we should first ensure our skin is protected.

Over exposure to the sun can result in irreversible damage such as:

· Immature aging and wrinkling

· Sunburn

· Skin cancer

· Immune system suppression

· Eye damage

· Damages the hair follicles

There are several ways to enjoy time in the sun and avoid the damaging effects, I will list several below to help you prepare you and your children for the upcoming summer.

• Wear a hat
  • a wide brimmed summer hat will help protect your hair, eyes, and your face from the rays of the sun
  • a hat is especially important if you are bald or have thinning hair as the head is very sensitive to sun exposure
  • be sure to cover the heads of children
  • it is also an attractive way to enhance your summer ensembles

• limit sun exposure during the times the sun is most intense, usually between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm
• if you must be out during this time of day, find shade and remember your sunscreen and hat

• never go out into the sun without sunscreen protection
• wear sunscreen year round and everyday
• wear a lip balm to protect lips from sunburn
• do your research, there are different sunscreens for different summer activities
• some are waterproof
• some are tinted
• others are oil free and/or moisturizing
• be sure to get the skin appropriate sunscreen for children
• remember, children are more sensitive to the damages of over exposure to the sun and require extra protection
• remember to reapply every 2-hours
• use 15+ sunscreen

• although the thought of wearing too much clothing during the summer is not attractive it is necessary
• choose lightweight materials that will allow you to cover your skin but will not be suffocating (linen, cotton)
• wear sunglasses made with 99% to 100% UV absorption

• some drugs make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure
• do the research and/or speak to your doctor or pharmacist to determine if you are on a medication that affects your sensitivity to the sun

• remember to replenish your skin by following the following steps
• cleanse
• exfoliate
• close pore (astringent)
• moisturize
• repair (serums & specialized creams)
• replenishment is not just for the face
• find an exfoliating/moisturizing body wash for the entire body
• moisturize the entire body

• remember to drink lots of water while exposed to severe heat
• avoid alcoholic beverages while out during the heat of the day
• find shade whenever possible

As frightening as all of the sun protection information may sound, 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure a day can be an excellent source of Vitamin D. But do not over-do it!

We all need sunlight to survive. Enjoy your summer while protecting your skin. Remember your sunscreen!!