By Carol DempsonMay 20, 2013
Summer Skin Care
Most people look forward to summer as a time that they can show some skin, relax, and soak up the sun. Dermatologists recommend that we all take extra precautions, however, and show our skin some extra love in these hot months. Summer is dry, summer is hot, and it can take its toll on our pale, winter skin. Here are some ways that you can keep you skin beautiful and healthy this summer:
Stay moisturized
You sweat much more in the summer, so your body is much more likely to become dehydrated. Experts say that dry skin is much more likely to show signs of age such as wrinkles and dark shadows. One such expert recommended that you make it a habit to splash some water on your face during the day, but do not use very hot or very cold water and find a light, water-based moisturizer to apply morning and night. Be sure to find something that will not clog your pores, which are much more likely to clog in the hot, sweaty months.
Sunscreen is your best friend
Use a sunscreen with a high SPF and check the label carefully. You want a sunscreen that contains the following ingredients — oxybenzone, titanium oxide, zinc oxide and avobenzone. These are proven ingredients that will help you keep harmful UVA and UVB rays from damaging your skin. Sunscreen is most affective when it is applied before your makeup. Don’t give in to those who lay out for hours tanning. Doctors recommend using lotions or sprays if you desire tan skin. The risks involved with long tanning sessions are too high.
Dress for the weather. The best clothes are cool and cotton. You can also use a floppy hat that covers your face to add more protection. Add lip balm and use a pair of shades to protect your sensitive eyes and you are set.Professionals also suggest that you try and stay indoors during the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when the sun is at its fiercest. If you need to venture out, these precautions should help you keep your skin covered and moisturized.
Don’t forget your feet
Your feet will swell, sweat, and smell, so we suggest using soap and water to keep them clean and then moisturize them. When you get home, treat yourself to a foot soak. Add some salt to the water. This will soften the skin and help in the removal of the dead skin.
