Oh, sunshine…how we have missed you (please don’t ever go away again)!
Spring is here, summer is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be happier about it! Soon we will be putting on our flip flops, swimsuits, and stylish sunglasses and heading to the beach or poolside to absorb some much needed vitamin D.
While soaking up the sun is a great feeling, too much sun exposure can really dry out and damage your skin.
As a society, we are increasingly aware of the dangers associated with overexposure.
Related: Dispelling 5 Common Skin Myths
In preparation for the extra time many of us are planning to spend outdoors over the next several months, I asked dermatologist Marina Peredo for some advice on how we can protect our skin while still enjoying the warm weather we have been waiting for all winter.
Tips on how to protect your skin:
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I always encourage all of my patients, teens included, to wear a sunscreen every day (SPF 30), wear sun protective clothing, avoid tanning beds and get a spray tan.
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The only time during the day I would recommend sunbathing at all, in order to get your needed dosage of vitamin D, would be the early morning hours before 10 AM, for 15 minutes.
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Other than that, make sure you have a high factor sunscreen and apply it frequently, preferably every two hours throughout the day.
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Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
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Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat.
Tips for how to treat your skin after sun exposure:
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The most effective way to moisturize your skin is to use products that contain humectant or emollient ingredients such as glycerin and or lanolin.
Related: Does Retinol Deserve a Bad Rep?
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For more mature skin, you should also look for antioxidants and peptides for collagen rebuilding.
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Use a good moisturizer with a growth factor and antioxidants to stimulate new collagen growth, IPL laser after several treatments can help eliminate brown spots caused by sun damage, exfoliating the skin will help slough off dead skin cells caused by sun damage.
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Wear a broad spectrum sun block every time you go outside during the daylight hours.
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Although no single formula fits everyone, every system in your body depends on water and lack of water can lead to dehydration.
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Generally, if you drink enough water so that you never feel thirsty and produce approximately 6 cups of light yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate. The old adage is to drink 8, 8oz. glasses per day.
More from GalTime:
- Tips on How to Nourish Your Skin from Within
- Celebrate Mom with Beauty
- The Sun Smart Girl's Guide to Bronzer
- Anti-Aging in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, and Beyond!
Danielle Miller is a freelance writer and editor from the Boston area. She is a publishing project manager and has written articles on health and relationship-related topics for various outlets for several years. She is also a book editor, working mainly on books relating to science, technology, and user experience.
Read more: http://galtime.com/profile/39603/5407/danielle-miller#ixzz1uTAhOpWp
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