Summer means sun, shorts, sandals, bathing suits, and bronzed skin. But with beach hair and shorter hemlines comes the dangers that not only instigate the probability of skin cancer, but the aging process as well. Sun exposure is, essentially, subjecting yourself to sun damage but in the same note, avoiding the outdoors altogether is both impractical and nearly impossible. Thus, taking preventative measures in preparing and caring for it are crucial in keeping your skin in tip-top condition for the ultimate skin-baring season.
Understanding the Dangers of Overexposure:
Sun exposure isn’t necessarily bad it is a key source of Vitamin D. As with all good things, however, keep exposure in moderation. The ideal maximum is 15 minutes before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. Anything over is considered overexposure, and any exposure during midday when the sun is at its harshest should be limited (if not altogether avoided).
Sun rays at this time of day are 10% UVB and 90% UVA: a combination that can cause melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
UVA vs. UVB Rays: What’s the difference?
Rays used to be nondescript, and UV protection was generalized. More recent and in depth research has shown that there are two kinds of UV rays: - UVA and UVB rendering standard sunscreens inadequate. Do look for sun blocks that offer protection from both types.
UVA Rays:
On average, most people have already been exposed to large amounts of UVA rays throughout their lifetimes. Though less intense than UVB rays, UVA rays are 30–50 times more prevalent and are present during all hours of daylight even on the cloudiest of days making it necessary to incorporate SPF protection into your everyday routine.
Wrinkles and sunspots are largely caused by these rays. Able to penetrate glass and deep into the skin, these rays speed up the aging process and contribute to if not initiate the development of skin cancers below the surface.
UVB Rays:
UVB rays cause sun burns and reddening. While UVA rays penetrate beyond the superficial layers, UVB rays damage the skin’s surface layers. Its intensity differs by time of day, locale, forecast, and season, but still holds potential in causing sun damage. These are the rays responsible for change in darkness of skin pigmentation, age spots, and the more common tumors that may ultimately evolve into cancer.
Sun Damage and Aging :
Signs associated with aging - wrinkles, freckles, skin thinning, sunspots (also known as age spots), uneven pigmentation are the aftermath of sun damage. Ninety-percent of wrinkles are caused by the sun, and while intentional overexposure (tanning, sunbathing) is incredibly harmful, two-thirds of all sun damage is, surprisingly, incidental (walking the dog, driving).
Thus said, sunscreen is not limited to the poolside or beach it should be applied on a daily basis. Opt for moisturizers and body lotions with SPF, and if possible, always choose a higher SPF for your face. Don’t forget your hands especially when driving. Hands are an instant giveaway to your true age, so invest in a hand cream that offers SPF protection.
Summer Skin Tips :
In addition to following these tips, dress to protect. Lightweight, cotton cover-ups along with a cap or broad-brimmed hat will act as shields from harmful UV rays.
*Apply sunscreen religiously.
It’s a surefire way of protecting your skin. Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to allow time for the product to absorb into the skin; re-apply every few hours or as needed. Look for sunscreens that offer protection for both UVA and UVB rays keep in mind that a high SPF number is no longer enough.
*Use a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid.
Dry, combination, and/or sensitive skin should completely avoid this and instead opt for one of Mario Badescu’s cream soaps. Combination/oily to oily skin types are more suitable for cleansers containing one of the two acids. Both loosen dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover, in effect helping shed damage while keeping the complexion clean to prevent future breakouts. Do note, however, that salicylic acid increases sensitivity to the sun. Save these cleansers for use at nighttime, and moisturize during the day with extra SPF protection.
*Moisturize with SPF.
Applying moisturizer with SPF is essential regardless of the season. With the onset of warmer weather, however, consider switching your current moisturizer for another with higher SPF and lighter formulation to prevent sun spots, freckles, and early signs of aging.
*And just moisturize, period. Summer sun in combination with the heat, humidity, and air conditioning will wreak havoc on your skin. Moisturize with SPF before sun, and use a richer lotion after sun, after bath, and before bed to keep skin hydrated, soft, and smooth.
*Don’t skimp on eye creams and lip protection.
Sun exposure will gradually thin skin and cause wrinkles. Protect the delicate areas of your face with appropriate creams and balms. Continue to use an eye cream, but if your usual cream feels too heavy for summer, replace your current product with a lighter formulation or use only at night. Apply and liberally re-apply a lip balm with SPF, like Mario Badescu’s Lip Wax with SPF 15.
*Protect your hands and feet too.
Your neck, chest, and hands are an instant giveaway to your true age. After moisturizing your face with the Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 30, bring it down to your neck as well. Be sure to apply sunscreen to your chest area as it is one of the areas of your body more susceptible to sunburn. Invest in a hand cream that offers SPF protection, and apply it at least 20 minutes before driving keep in mind that two-thirds of all sun damage is purely incidental.
Also, with summer comes open-toed shoes and sandals, so be sure to exfoliate, moisturize, and protect exposed feet as well. Take into account that sunscreen will rub off faster than it would from the rest of your body from rubbing against the straps of your shoes and abrasive sand. Thus, it is recommended to re-apply more frequently to prevent burnt feet.
*Boost your block with antioxidants.
Skincare products containing antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea can help reverse sun damage. Try serums such as our Vitamin C Serum, suitable for all skin types to help boost your block.
*Keep hydrated.
Drink water throughout the day. If you’re on the go, try bringing a bottle and a container of fresh fruit on the go to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.
*Exfoliate.
Depending on your skin type, exfoliate either 1-2 times a week if you’re dry and 2-3 times a week if you’re oily to help shed dead skin buildup and slough off previous sun damage. Doing so helps rejuvenate skin, leaving it soft and brighter.
*Make the healthy switch.
As tempting as it is to lie in a tanning bed or sunbathe to get the ever-covetable summer skin, make the switch to self-tanners to achieve that color without yielding yourself to the dangers of overexposure. Try a sun-less tan like our Self Tanning Lotion SPF 15 to build color gradually and, most importantly, healthily. (Beauty Tip: Our faces will always be a shade or two lighter than our body; to build color on your face as well, alternate between a tinted moisturizer and a facial self-tanner to achieve an even wash of sun-kissed color).
The sun’s rays are drying on the delicate lip tissue. To keep your lips luscious like Penelope Cruz, start with a richly textured lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher and reapply regularly when outdoors. The La Prairie Ultra Protection Stick keeps lips hydrated, and can be used on the rest of your face to shield the sun's rays.
*WANT SKIN THIS FLAWLESS?
Keep a face mist in your ice chest so you can mist your face and body while on the beach," cosmetician The African Red Tea Face Mist is filled with antioxidants, and in addition to cooling you down, soothing Red Tea helps strengthen your skin's outer layer.
*PRELOAD SUNSCREEN:
Before a beach vacation, I wear sunscreen on my body every night. I do it for two to three weeks ahead so the sunscreen builds up in my stratum corneum, and it makes my skin less likely to burn.
*Spritz your scalp:
Long locks offer some shade from the sun, but the sensitive skin along your hairline and part still get bombarded with harmful UVA and UVB rays. "Use a sunscreen spray along your part. It's harder for creams to be absorbed there, and you can still burn.We like the Supergoop Everyday UV Protection SPF 30 Spra.
*TAKE A COLD SHOWER:
Hot showers after sun exposure further dry skin-turn down the temperature and you’ll pick up a few added benefits. “A cool shower after excess sweating helps keep the skin unoccluded, decreasing acne breakouts.
*AVOID ASHINESS
"Many sunscreens look white or ashy on dark skin. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are typically the problem," notes Susan C. Taylor, founding director of the Skin of Color Center. She recommends Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 and her own Rx for Brown Skin Age Block UV Shield SPF 15.
*GO BIG AT THE BEACH
"For heavy-duty outdoor activities, like a day at the beach, I use Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen UVA/UVB Protection SPF 30+ Sport. It contains a chemical sunscreen and zinc oxide," says Waldorf. "I don't use it daily because it's thick and takes a long time to rub in, but it's very water-resistant. I can feel it on my skin, so I know it's there, and I like that."
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