Each season poses unique challenges to our skin. While winter notoriously causes dryness and chapping, summer can be even trickier because we naturally expose our skin more often to the elements.
Here are nine smart tips for keeping burns, bites and blemishes to a minimum as the heat moves in.
1. Be shady. Not only does sun exposure increase the chance of melanoma and other skin cancers, it damages skin, causing wrinkles, sun spots, unevenness and redness. How can something that feels so good be so bad for us?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends staying indoors or seeking shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (A good rule of thumb: if your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.) Wide-brimmed hats, rash guards, light protective clothing (look for some with SPF protection) and sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays are great ways to protect your skin and eyes.
2. Plan ahead. Remember to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors, even on cloudy days. Extra caution should be taken near water, snow and sand, which all reflect the sun's damaging rays.
3. Decipher the jargon. The AAD recommends using water-resistant sunscreens providing broad-spectrum protection with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. "Broad-spectrum" provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB)rays.
4. More is more. One ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a shot glass, is the amount generally necessary to cover the exposed areas of the body. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours.
5. Steer clear. If you do any hiking or gardening, learn to recognize poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac so you can steer clear. Wear bug-repellent and protective clothing, such as gloves, long pants and long sleeves to avoid contact with these allergenic plants as well as mosquitos, flies and ticks.
6. Ditch the itch. Should you accidentally encounter a poisonous plant or are bitten by bugs, use a cold compress, calamine lotion, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines to relieve itching. (Call your doctor if a rash is large or is near your eyes.) Most importantly, don’t scratch! Bacteria from under your fingernails can cause infection.
7. Lighten up. Swap out rich moisturizers for lighter lotions. Consider using a self-tanner with SPF for your face instead of foundation for a lighter summer glow. Makeup and makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, so get rid of eye makeup after two or three months, liquid foundations after six to 12 months and powder blushes at least every two years. Makeup brushes should be cleaned every two weeks with a gentle shampoo.
8. Hydrate. Moisturize from the inside out by staying hydrated with lots of fluids, especially water (try infused, carbonated or coconut waters to mix things up).
9. Cleanse away the day. Washing your face at the end of the day is even more important in the summer months when you’re dealing with sweat, oil, sunscreen and bacteria. Look for a non-comedogenic cleanser strong enough to remove dirt but gentle enough to leave your skin's natural oil barrier intact.
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