HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

After months of cooler weather and weaker sunshine, the first day of summer sun, or perhaps the first day on holiday can come as a surprise to the skin. So much so that burning is likely. Without sufficient protection from the sun, the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause damage to the skin. As a result, this damage can lead to skin damage, accelerated skin ageing and increasing the risk of cataracts and skin cancer.

To prevent the risk of sun damage; it is vital to protect the skin as much as possible. However, skin protection doesn’t just begin on the first day of the summer sun; you can prepare your skin well in advance, so the burning rays don’t catch you off guard.

So, what can you do to ensure your skin is ready for summer?

1. Exfoliate

Exfoliation helps to get rid of dead skin cells so that you can reveal a smooth and silky layer of skin. This not only feels much nicer, but gives a fresh, even layer of skin, which makes it easier to apply skin care and sun protection.

2. Feed your skin

Having the right nutrition can protect your skin from the inside out. Cell damage occurs from free radicals in the system. Eating foods rich with antioxidants and that can neutralise free radicals are essential in protecting the skin from sun damage. Feed your skin with foods such as dark leafy vegetables, and colourful fruits and vegetables, especially red, orange and yellow fruit and veggies as these are high in beta-carotene which help protect the skin.

3. Supplement

A couple of months before summer, you can begin to prepare your skin with supplements that can help to prevent damage from intensive sun exposure. Look for supplements that include beta-carotene, lycopene and antioxidants. You can also find skin protecting supplements which include polypodium leucotomus, which also improve sun photo-protection. Remember, supplements alone are not enough for skin protection, though.

4. Sunscreen

In summer, a lot of skin that isn’t generally exposed to the sun can feel the intense rays of the sun as we shed our clothing layers. Make sure to protect all of the skin on show. Areas that are not normally on show should be protected with sunscreen with an SPF of at least factor 30. Don’t forget to include sunscreen under moisturiser or makeup too.

5. Hydrate

As soon as the temperature begins to rise, so do our dehydration levels. When summer hits, it is important to increase your hydration levels. This helps to keep the skin moisturised and to reduce itchy, irritating dryness. As well as drinking more water in the lead-up and throughout summer, thermal water vaporiser sprays can help to give skin a quick burst of hydration. Well-hydrated skin looks glowing in the summer sun!

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay