When summer rolls around, most people are inevitably exposed to more sun whether they lay out and tan or not. It’s been long since confirmed that the use of tanning beds and prolonged exposure to the sun, especially without any sun protection, can have detrimental effects.
This might leave you wondering how you can avoid these issues, yet still have healthy, glowing skin all summer long. Let’s consider some do’s and don’ts that will be a major help.
Protect Your Skin By Avoiding…
Tanning Beds. As mentioned briefly, tanning beds are no good. While you might end up with a nice tan, you also increase your chances of developing potentially life-threatening skin cancer such as melanoma. UV radiation — especially constant and direct exposure to it — damages the skin and can even weaken the immune system.
Too Much Sun Exposure. It’s estimated that 90% of melanomas are caused by ultraviolet radiation. This radiation is produced not only by artificial means such as tanning beds, but also by the sun. While you can’t and shouldn’t avoid the sun completely, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
Minimal UV Exposure Means Minimal Risk
Avoiding unnecessary exposure to ultraviolet radiation and being protected when such exposure is necessary has many benefits. For one, you can avoid the consequences of overexposure, which include unsightly wrinkles, age spots, premature aging and, as mentioned, skin cancer.
Up to this point, we’ve considered two things you should avoid to protect your skin. That leaves a question. How can you protect your skin and promote its health?
To Achieve a Natural Summer Glow…
Use Sun Protection. This includes wearing hats, sunglasses and clothing that covers areas of particularly sensitive skin. And, of course, sunscreen is a must. The sunscreen of your choice should have 30 SPF, be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied, at least, every two hours.
Combat Dryness. It goes without saying that the goal is soft and smooth, not dry and rough skin. There are a few things you can do to keep your skin moisturized and, by extension, looking healthy. For one, you can use water-based moisturizers together with emollients, which boost the skin’s ability to hold water by providing an outer layer of oil.
Additionally, you’ll want to avoid harsh cleansers with lots of soap, alcohol or detergent, which all have a drying effect.
Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle. The key to healthy skin isn’t just in external care, but also has a lot to do with how you care for your body as a whole. Avoiding smoking, caffeine and excessive alcohol consumption, sticking to a healthy diet full of fruits and antioxidants and getting adequate sleep and exercise are all beneficial.
Are You Ready to Glow?
As you can see, it’s not just want you don’t do but also what you do that will help you achieve the healthy glow you want. In addition to sun protection, it’s necessary to help your body out with a bit of extra TLC as well. There are plenty of ways that you can care for your skin. If you use them, you’ll be glowing, not just all summer long, but all year long!